Remembrance

Chapters

Docks
Halls
Bars
Faces
Fates
Rooms
Names
Portraits
Decks
Gyms
Levels
Memories
Heat
Pools

Docks

Spike stretched himself over the small wooden bench that rested on the edge of the pier. The ticket master had told him it would be another hour or so until the cruise-liner that would take him back to Equestria would appear. Spike figured he had time to relax a little after such a long few years, even if it was before the actual relaxation that would entail on the cruise ship. The cool evening air licked against his tired body as the sun retreated through the sky.

He leaned his head back, feeling the cricks pop in his neck and his wings stiffen out beneath the two-piece he was wearing. He opted to keep the over-bearing jacket inside his luggage considering the warm evening air in the sunset of the sky. The button up shirt was a plain white with a purple vest over top it. Upon the left breast was the official pin for the ambassador of Equestria under the rule of Princess Twilight Sparkle. The tiny pendant had grown heavier with the last few years, but it reminded him of home and the friends he had not seen in so long. Spike tilted his head down at the simple pendant, imitative of Twilight’s cutie mark, and smiled lightly. Four years. It had been four years since Spike had talked with Twilight, and almost five since he had seen her. He could not even remember the last time he had seen all her friends as his last meeting with Twilight was just the two of them. Remembering how long it had been since he had been in a pony city made his smile grow even wider. He was so looking forward to familiar and friendlier sights.

Spike looked out across the wide ocean. He could hardly believe that somewhere across the everlasting blue expanse lay an entirely different continent with dragons, ponies, hippogriffs, and more, all of them isolated from the lifestyle and culture that had been Norfandia. That was, until six years ago when an emissary from the strange land had begged for help preventing a war on his home. Spike frowned and a troubled feeling stirred in his chest. He could not help but feel that his work here, while complete according to the map in Twilight’s castle, felt unfinished. He had been sent here to stop a war and spread friendship, defending those willing to accept it if he had to.

Things never went the way they were supposed to. He knew that.

Spike leaned forward and brought his arms to rest on the tops of his knees. The pants he wore were a fine pair equally black as his vest with two purple stripes coming from the pocket to ankle. They felt strange after so long of wearing what he could in the foreign land. His official Equestria uniform felt totally new to him after so long of not wearing it. He had come to Norfandia in it, and now was leaving in it. These were the only times he had worn the comfortable Equestrian garb that his old friend had made him

Rarity.

Spike reminisced a moment. He had not seen the beautiful mare even longer than Twilight. Spike had outgrown his childhood crush of the mare long ago, but a part of him always wondered how they would interact now if they met at his current age. Spike had grown. A lot. Since his molting almost twelve years ago, he had grown taller, stronger, and much hungrier. Thanks to Rainbow Dash’s position in the Wonderbolts, she had seen to it that the young drake made use of their gym equipment whenever he wanted. It had done much to tone his scaly body into the musculature that was intimidating even by dragon standards. His height now rivaled Princess Twilight’s, but Spike was grateful it had stopped where it was. Too much more and he would have felt like a lumbering giant around most of his peers.

Spike winced as he remembered the looks he received from the centaur, troll, and wolf-like inhabitants of Nornfandia. He was just about as tall as their normal populace, but his colors stood out drastically from the land and people around. He remembered the tales that had been told to him of the dragons that used to live here.

Used to.

Shifting in discomfort, Spike looked over to his left to see a dot on the horizon of the water. Must be the cruise liner. Bout another forty-five I’d guess. He sighed and glanced over to the ticket booth. A small line had formed of a clearly higher-up troll family. No doubt they were looking to book the cruise liner to Equestria for a visit. One of Spike’s first tasks here had been to establish formal communication and exchange between the two continents. So far, nothing bad came back on transports or cruise ships. For that, Spike was grateful.

The oldest of the family, father Spike guessed by his rugged horns and slightly thrust lower jaw, looked toward the purple dragon, and gave him a semblance of a smile. Spike smiled back and raised his right claw over his head to give him a little wave. That was something Spike actually liked more about Nornfandia; everything here had hands. Or claws, or something like Spike’s extremities. Living with ponies most of his life had made him feel ostracized often because of his inherent otherness. It did not help when he visited the dragon lands the first time and learned he would not fit there either. His whole life had always felt just a little skewed from what he was supposed to be doing. But he had never minded it, and still did not. He found his calling in being an ambassador to nations and kingdoms across the world. No need to fit in when I’m never around long enough anyway. He turned back to the ocean and let another soft breath out. He was not sad; not exactly. He just felt… out of place. His friends back home had always told him that his difference was special and unique in a good way. Especially Rarity; always using him for his discernment on gems, his claws for sewing and mining, his variable height for dresses…

Spike blushed slightly as he realized that he used to wear dresses. Never out in public of course, but all the same. His blush furthered when he took note of his thoughts once again on the alabaster mare. Was it just the nostalgic excitement of coming home? Or was it something more? Spike wracked his mind with experiences, words, letters, anything he had exchanged with Rarity over the years. He could have sworn there was something she had said once about when you get back from your adventures…

He brushed off the thought as the troll family came to sit on the bench next to him. He straightened up again and smiled at the family. The wife politely waved, her fur covering the top of her head indicative of her female difference. Their child that was with them was dressed in a blue suit. It accentuated his gunmetal coat and his bulging brown eyes as they gawked at the dragon. Spike smiled a little wider and cricked one of his claws at the youngster in a tiny form of waving.

“Fro, come now it is never polite to stare.” The father reprimanded. The youngling seemed unphased.

“Are you the one who shoots fire?” He asked in an awe.

“Fro!” the mother was the one to interject this time. She reached out and took the small troll’s arm, pulling him close. She politely smiled back to Spike in pain and embarrassment. “I apologize, sir Spike. He’s just a little too obsessed with the ‘hero of the mountain’ is all.” She blushed at her addressing to the dragon. Spike nodded to her and kept his smile up.

“No worries. It’s not everyday a strange creature who can breathe fire ends up sitting next to you on a random pier.” He winked at the child who started giggling.

“See papa! It is him! Do the fire please!” Fro burst out. The father looked down at his child and frowned, about to cut him off again. Before he could, Spike raised up his claw.

“Sure!” he responded joyfully. He turned to catch the wife’s eyes; they were apologizing but equally fascinated as her child’s.

“Are you sure, sir? We don’t want to be a bother.”

“No bother at all. It’s just as simple as if you were breathing.” Spike assured. He curled his tongue in his mouth and narrowed his lips. Summoning a warmth inside his chest just between his lungs, he let the steam rise. Just as it past his lips, he let out a more explosive breath and the green fire lurched out in a tiny bolt. It exploded just a half meter away, nowhere near dangerous enough to harm any of them. They all began applauding.

“Wow! I want to breath fire that was so cool!” Fro yelled out.

“That’s enough Fro, let him rest. He’s had a long…” The father looked to Spike sympathetically. “He’s tired.” Spike nodded appreciation to him.

It was no secret how long Spike had been in the strange land, and even less a secret of how revered he had become. Diplomacy was always his first mission, but defending the lives of those who needed it was more important than making sure political tyrants did not abuse their citizens.

Spike shuddered subtly.

Eager to change the subject, he gestured to the couple as the wife now picked up her young boy in her lap.

“What sends you over to Equestria?”

The father straightened the awkward necktie that draped down his body.

“Well sir, the world just got a whole lot bigger! Thanks to you of course. We would be foolish not to see what lies in store for us! Lucrative business opportunities and all.” The troll had a glint in his eye as the crooked smile enunciated his protruding lower canine teeth. Spike held up a hand.

“Just Spike is fine. To a noble as yourself, titles aren’t really that necessary.” Spike had learned of the culture here over his stay obviously, but even spending the last four years in this foreign world did little to help him understand it. There were some similarities to Equestria, sure, but there were so many stark contrasts as well. For starters, everything here ate meat. Spike felt embarrassed to say he tried some, and he had loved it. He would need to visit again, but not for a long time. Titles here were also not to be taken lightly. Any title was met with reverence and used whenever possible. One did not simply get a title, it had to be earned through great struggle. Sir, hero, even beast were some Spike had been given in his time here.

One key difference that fascinated Spike was their understanding of the sky. Unlike Equestria, Nornfandia had no ties to the heavenly bodies or magical elements around them. The sun was a star that lay hundreds of thousands of kilometers away, with the moon being much closer but equally unreachable. When Spike explained the concept of alicorn princesses who had once dragged them across the sky, they had laughed. Then Spike had questioned them about the time Twilight was left in charge when Tirak had invaded. The sun and moon had their own versions of strokes in the sky with her panic. That question seemed to knock them off guard. Some of the people’s first item on the new world list was to visit these ancient sorceresses and pay respects to Twilight. Tirak had come from this land after all, and the people felt somewhat guilty for his behavior.

The troll waved his hand back in retaliation at Spike. “Nonsense! You deserve more than a title, sir. I just wish we could provide something.” He looked back to his child who grew tired in his mother’s lap. A distant horn sounded, telling them all that the cruise liner was getting closer. Spike turned his head to see it had grown much larger and much quicker than he had expected.

“What about yourself, great beast?” The father spoke again. Spike swiveled his head back and dodged his eyes to the side for a moment.

“I need… I’m just going back home after a long time away from it. Seeing friends and all that.” He dismissed the question as quickly as he could. The father stroked his furred chin.

“Friends, yes. I can imagine how much they miss you after so long. I tell you, if it had not been for your work here for so long, I would not be sympathizing here with you now!” He chuckled and looked knowingly at his wife. Spike smiled and folded his claws over each other.

The Norfandians had very primitive versions of friendship when Spike first arrived. They mostly engaged in courtesy as a transaction rather than something to be enjoyed. It had taken years of work to forge the foundations of friendship, and years longer to protect it. Spike was grateful they had embraced the work willingly and put in the effort to forge such strong bonds.

Most of them anyway.

Spike felt a flare up on his back as memories kicked up something left better in Norfandia. He reached behind himself to massage the tender scales and winced.

“Yea, I mostly am looking forward to some R&R after being on my feet for so long. I know my wings can carry me, but come on! It was like every day for four years I was flying all over the place!” Spike grinned at the troll. He let a hearty laugh out in exchange.

“If they fall off, you let me know! I’ll sell them and split the profit!”

The two of them laughed rambunctiously as the wife soothed the sleeping form of their child. Spike calmed down and gripped his side in pain. Too much laughing was bad for old memories. He glanced at the child.

“He’s cute. How old?”

The mother was the one to answer now.

“Just turned four. It was part of his birthday request to go to the home where our hero hailed from.” Her voice was oddly smooth for such a rough-looking creature. Spike had to admit that after so long of living amongst these folks, he was beginning to find them attractive. He dipped his head in appreciation.

“Well, there’s quite a lot to see. He’ll definitely get his time’s worth. You all will.” He smiled back to the family again.

They sat on their benches for another twenty minutes as more creatures trickled in for the cruise. Mostly trolls, Spike noted. A few wolfmen gathered far along the docks quite a distance from any water. The wolfmen had some kind of hydrophobia that perplexed Spike when he first met them. Only three centaur came and stood triumphantly on the edge of the dock to gaze across the water. Their deep voices and tall figures reminded Spike of Tirak. He shuddered again.

The cruise liner pulled up to the dock and moored with the help of deck hands and dock workers. The ship was huge. Bigger than Spike remembered. Then again, he had not come on a luxury cruise line to Norfandia. He sighed and stood to grab his duffel bag and suitcase. Spike glanced back to where the troll family had sat when he first arrived, but their seats were empty now. Most likely trying to get ahead of the massive line now forming.

A ramp extended down from the side of the cruise liner and a ship pony stood atop it. He wore the sailor uniform of Canterlot’s luxury lines. Spike felt a little warm glow as some familiarity of his home settled in. The pony raised a megaphone with magic, a unicorn then, Spike thought.

“All aboard! We set for Equestrian shoreline in ninety minutes! All aboard!”

Spike took in a breath and began walking towards the forming line. He started to make his way to the back when he noticed every creature was not moving, all their eyes resting on him. He gave an awkward grin as he passed the centaur group. One of their massive hands shot out to block him.

“Uh uh, sir. You aren’t getting in line.” The deep voice rattled Spike. He felt memories fighting to overpower him and do something. He gulped them down and smiled up at the bright blue centaur.

“What do ya mean? I got a ticket right here that says otherwise.” He chuckled and patted his breast pocket. The centaur’s sour expression folded, and he crossed his arms. He jerked a thumb towards the cruise liner and scoffed.

“Heroes don’t wait in lines, sir. You get on first.” The centaur smiled down to Spike. He realized that he had totally misread the situation. Spike glanced over to the line and caught many of the watchers nodding in agreement. He looked back to the grinning centaur whose visage looked friendlier than Spike remembered.

“You’re too kind.” Spike said. “But I can wait my turn.” The centaur blocked him again.

“You’ve been waiting, great beast. Four years. We know you must be eager. Go ahead!” The centaur patted Spikes shoulder and turned him forcefully to the front. Spike sighed. I guess there’s one perk of this whole thing he grinned to himself.

Spike made his way up the ramp as the Norfandians smiled and waved at him passing by. When he finally made it to the top, one of the sailors who waited for him raised a hoof and smiled.

“Wow, ambassador. Looking a little worse for wear aren’t ya?” He chuckled as Spike’s realization set in.

“No way! Sandbar! What in Celestia’s name are you doing out here!” He pulled the seafoam pony into a hug and shook him about. Sandbar laughed and pushed back on the massive dragon to catch his breath.

“I work on ships normally! When I heard that there was a vessel marked for Norfandia to retrieve my old subs, I had to get on the crew!” He grinned up as Spike palmed his forehead.

“I gotta say, it’s nice to see a familiar face on this thing. I thought I’d have to wait till home for that.” Spike smiled widely. Sandbar nudged his gut lightly.

“I think you’ll find some others if you’re lucky. This cruise stopped along SugarCuba on the way out to pick up the tour group. Not sure who was all there, but maybe somepony you know!”

Two sailors went to retrieve Spike’s luggage and hand him a keycard. Spike took it and tucked it into his right pant pocket. He patted Sandbar on his withers.

“Others or not, it’s great to see you, old friend.” Sandbar nodded and smiled back.

“You as well. Not to cut it short, but there’s a line. My shift ends when we shove off. Care to hit the bar and catch up? Give you some time to settle in and explore.”

“Absolutely!”

Halls

Spike wandered through the halls following the two luggage ponies. The ship was luxury. The carpeted halls were lined with photos of important ponies who had sailed on it. Some were captains, others were wealthy. He noted Luna’s portrait between one of the Rich’s and some other wealthy looking pony family. It made Spike wonder if Twilight’s and her friends would be on here somewhere.

They led him around a bend in the hall where it cut off in a large steel door. They were on the tenth floor of the liner, giving every porthole a grandeur view of the ocean and land below. The line of creatures boarding looked tiny from up here. The luggage pony in front cleared his throat to draw Spike from the small window.

“Your card, sir.” He gestured to the small keypad in front of the door. Spike fumbled for the keycard and drew it out. He pressed it against the top part as a click sounded from within. The door swung inward to reveal the largest room Spike had ever stayed in. He could swear it rivaled the Canterlot throne room.

To his left was a marble-top bar with three stools and both a wine and mini fridge fully stocked behind. It had a fake menu on the top with commemorative mugs laying on the counterspace ready to be filled with foam. On the right of the room was a door that presumably led to the bathroom. Spike had never had a bathroom in his room before. Directly ahead were three room-wide steps that took him down to the master bedframe. It was king sized for a pony, so perfectly sized for his own form. The foot of the bed shot out to a glass wall that overlooked the deck and ocean. For just a moment, Spike worried about his own privacy. Something must have given his concern away as the luggage ponies sat his two items on the floor.

“Your view is blocked from the outside, ambassador. You are quite private in here.” The one who had been in front clarified. Spike felt his nerves calming.

“Ah, thanks. Sweet. This is huge.” He said with a low breath. One of the luggage ponies kicked a panel on the left wall. The lights dimmed and a massive screen dropped in front of the window.

“For any non-deck viewing pleasure, sir.” The two ponies straightened their uniforms and left the dumbfounded dragon to gawk at his temporary quarters.

Spike started laughing. He had never had this much space to himself for luxury! It was all his to enjoy! It was a direct contrast to the tiny foxholes and lean-tos he had spent the last few years in.

Then Spike remembered the tiny foxholes and lean-tos he had spent the last few years in.

His smile faded completely as he thought about all that time spent in the dirt, watching creatures he barely knew crawl off to face…

He shook his head. Stop. You did what you could. It’s over, and it’s peaceful. I’m going home. He reassured himself. The tension in his jawline sent aches across his face. He realized there was no way he could enjoy the cruise if he worked himself up constantly. His eyes wandered to the mini bar, and he grinned again. Perfect.

He figured having a light pregame before meeting Sandbar would not hurt his chance at relaxing. He did not dare sit in the bed as he feared there was no way to get up from its comfortable-looking quilt once he felt it against his rough scales.

Spike walked over to pop open the mini fridge. Inside were tiny rum shots in clear coconut shaped glasses. The tags hanging off them told Spike they had boarded with whatever goods were exchanged in SugarCuba. He swindled three of them and grabbed a dark cola from the door side. Spike grabbed a mug and poured each shot quickly in, but he saved the last one to see how the pure stuff tasted. He threw it back and let the sweet kick slide down his throat. Everywhere the bitter fire touched was washed immediately with a cacophony of coconut and island fruit hints. The traces of burn shot up his nose as he breathed out. A small spark lit off from his nose as the flammable gas shot from his stomach. Better keep that to a minimal.

He mixed the rest and downed it, taking only a moment to enjoy the mix tastes. Spike wiped his lips and felt some tension disappear along with the fiery drink. Spike rolled the sleeves up on his white shirt to just below the elbows. His room was hotter than the air outside as the sun touched the water line. Spike would have preferred being in other clothes, or without them at all, but all his clothes were horribly torn, dirty, or gone and the years with Norfandians had taught him a new appreciation for the coverings. Maybe he finally understood Rarity’s obsessions with the things. That drew Spike to smile again. He moved to the window to look down on the deck as some of the passengers were already mingling on the main floor. Ponies were in the pools and hot tubs, no doubt missing the warm oceans of their tropical islands, while trolls started talking with crewponies and passengers alike. This would be many of their first times meeting the creatures Spike had relayed so much about. He noticed that the wolfmen were absent along with the centaur fellows. The wolfmen made sense, but he hoped the centaur would not be treated poorly by the ponies. Many of the ponies who were adults now had grown up to witness the former magic-stealer wreak havoc on their homes. It had taken Spike months to get over his prejudice. He hoped it would go quicker for the ponies.

Spike pushed away from the windows and made his way out of the room, taking note of his room number. He aimlessly strode about, viewing the ship for all it was. He knew that the ship would shove off in about twenty-odd minutes, so he had no plans for a bit. He passed some trolls following a ship pony to their room. Spike found himself hoping it would be the family he met on the dock. Far… Fro! Fro was his name. He remembered the young boy with his parents. He was disappointed to see it was just a group of four trolls all relatively the same age. They waved at him as he passed, and he politely bowed back.

As Spike wandered, he found himself back in the portrait section of the halls. Curiosity got the better of him as he quizzed himself on the portraits before glancing on the name plaques. He recognized a few ponies; he mostly knew the ones from Canterlot’s galas. His heart jumped a bit when he saw Sassy Saddle’s portrait with the title of Head of International Product for Canterlot Carousel. Sassy had been Rarity’s friend and trusted manager of her product line since it had boomed into a fashion empire almost a decade ago. The two had a rough start, he remembered Rarity telling him, but Sassy had pulled through to be a great friend. Spike chuckled as he remembered her high and mighty accent declaring everything around her ‘posh’ and a ‘crude interpretation of fashion.’

Spike moved on to see some Wonderbolts, all of them before Rainbow’s time as one. He kept walking and froze as he saw a very familiar and crazy-looking creature grinning goofily from a frame.

Discord’s portrait entailed exactly who he was. He was laughing hysterically as pool water sailed over his head, drenching some poor ship pony on the side. Spike smiled at his old friend’s face and put a claw up to the picture.

“You there, Discord? Come to see your old pal safely home?” Spike asked aloud. The frame held its pose as Spike took his claw off and closed his lips into a thin line, but still retentive of his smile. “No, I wouldn’t guess so. Maybe we can do some O&O again. Just like old times.”

Spike remembered his sessions as a younger dragon with Big Mac and Discord, wildly fighting their own imaginations. They sometimes could convince the girls to play, but it was mostly just the three of them. Spike had missed the simple fantasies of creative geniuses who had nothing better to do on a Friday night. Big Mac was married now with a son of his own and a farm to run. Discord spent most of his time with Fluttershy or teaching at Twilight—er, Starlight’s school. Spike had left Ponyville relatively soon after the school opened, almost closed, did close, and then reopened again. His role of friendship ambassador had whisked him away from his friends ironically.

Spike drew himself away from the funny Draconiquis and kept tracing the walls of pictures. Captains, sailors, merchants, nobles, anypony who was somepony had seemed to stay on this cruise liner at some point. But for all the searching he did, Spike could not find a single one of his friends on the walls. He sighed in disappointment.

Just then, a crackle hissed overhead and a nasally voice came through a speaker.

“Crew and passenger; we are shoving off in two minutes! Please make sure all items are stowed that need stowing below and all rooms are found. Crew, make final boarding check. Our destination will be Equestria in eight days! Thank you for choosing Canterlot Luxury Liners! This is your captain; Shallow Anchor and you are aboard the Cosmic Sister! Any and all questions may be directed to your ship pony or guide. Again, crew make final boarding check.”

The message crackled into the silence that had been there before. Spike shrugged and made his way to the stairs that would lead him to the lower decks. If they were shoving off, Sandbar would be meeting him soon. At least there’s one pony I know.

Bars

Spike had been sitting at the bar for almost thirty minutes when Sandbar finally showed up. He had opted to leave his uniform in his cabin, most likely so other passengers would not disturb him during his time off. Spike smiled at his friend, and they clasped hoof to claw.

“Damn man, you must have some stories! Tell me all about it!” The two of them sat as Sandbar slapped Spikes back. He winced at the gesture and crossed his arms over the countertop.

“Nah, not much to tell. Just classic friendship stuff. You know how it is.” He pawned off the conversation in favor of gesturing the bar pony for an order. Sandbar raised his eyebrows in confusion.

“You’ve been in the newest part of the world for four years, and all you have to say is nah?” He mocked Spike’s casual tone. “Tell you what; first round and meal is on me in exchange for a story. Just one. Pleaseeeeeee?” He clapped his hooves together in a begging motion. Spike shot him a doubtful glance.

“Don’t you get free… everything here?”

“Well, sure. But you don’t. I get it for you, you tell me one story. Deal?” Spike rolled his eyes and shrugged.

“Fine. But I’m getting the best hayburger and whiskey this side of the world. And you don’t get a single drop.” He grinned toothily at the pony.

“It’d better be a hell of a story then!”

The two friends sat drinking the night into its youthful hours. Spike told him of the formalities and culture of Norfandia. They had quite a loud and disturbing reaction between them when Spike told him about their thoughts on the sun and moon. Whether it was the alcohol or comfort of familiarity making them so loud, the passengers around did not much care for. Spike finished telling Sandbar of the governing body and culture as he finished his last swig of the Neighshville bourbon.

“So yea, they got democratic representatives for themselves, and they actually have terms to serve. No one ruler or clan or whatever.”

“That must cause some friendship problems for sure then.” Sandbar clarified.

“Brother, you would not believe it.” They both laughed again. “But what’s new with you? Sailing the seas? I thought you would have settled with Yona in Ponyville after she took over the boutique all those years ago.” Spike asked. He winced as he saw Sandbar’s smile fade and he turned back to play with a coaster on the bar top.

“Yona and I… well, we decided to take things ‘slow’ in her words.” Sandbar laughed a little. “Well actually, her words were ‘yak and pony slow things down, or we smash the walls of friendship!’” Sandbar knocked the coaster off the bar and watched it roll across the floor. The cruise liner was such a large ship that the rocking of waves would hardly make a difference to the deck, but the coaster slightly drifted because of the subtle tilting. Spike stretched out a claw and placed it on Sandbar’s back.

“I know how you feel man. I’m sorry. But don’t give up on that if you love her. Don’t let that die out.” He did his best to comfort the dejected pony.

“Well, I never said I loved her…”

“You didn’t have to.”

Spike gestured for the bartender to bring another round. The two friends shot down the smooth honey bourbon. It was starting to get to Spike’s head. Maybe pregaming wasn’t such a good idea he though groggily.

“Hey, it’s been good, but I’m starting to see the rocking of the ship. I might turn in.” Spike said. He hoped the conversation had ended on a relatively good note, but he refused to swap another story in his intoxicated state. Something might slip out that he was not ready to share yet. Sandbar nodded to him.

“No worries. I have early shift anyway. This stuff ought to help me get a good sleep before that.” He nodded to the empty shots overturned on the bar. Sandbar smiled up at Spike as the dragon stood and steadied himself. “Catch ya around, fire breath. We got seven days to hang, so don’t be a stranger.” Spike nodded and started away.

“Will do. If I don’t trip and die on my way back!” He laughed one last time with his old friend.

Faces

Spike was stumbling back through the halls. He had opted to take the elevator up to avoid the ten flights of stairs that were sure to trip his already labored walk. He could feel his head clearing up with every step, but it had been years since Spike had alcohol. His tolerance was that of a teenager excited to try his first sip of the stuff. He remembered the first time he was exposed to the intoxicated mindset when he and Rarity had toasted her new franchise opening. It had been eight years ago when Spike had been the first to learn about her success, and in celebration had brought over a cheap champagne to her house. Rarity had told him how ‘bougie’ the cheap bottle was, but she appreciated it anyway. Spike had become a slobbering mess that night and ended up spending it on her couch with her watching over him until he drifted off. Spike could still see her smiling eyes that had formed tiny wrinkles around them from the stressful years, but she looked as beautiful as ever. He could not thank Rarity enough for that image over the last few years. Some nights, it was all that kept him going.

He rounded a corner and stumbled straight into a pair of ponies who were in dresses. They had clearly been enthralled with their conversation as they let out a yelp of surprise at the drunken dragon. Spike was on the clumsier side of tipsy as he fell forward, thrown completely off balance. Just as he braced himself for impact, a blue-tinge glow surrounded his snout. He felt himself slowly float back to his feet as he reached for the wall to brace himself. Spike raised a claw to his head and closed his eyes.

“Sorry ladies. One too many I’m afraid. Didn’t mean to startle you.” He gave them a lopsided smile and opened his eyes. Spike froze.

“Spikey-wikey?” The delicate voice pierced his ears and flooded his whole body with a warmth that spread into an enormous smile.

“RARITY!” Spike barreled forward past the blackened-colored mare and nearly tackled the snow-white pony to the ground. She returned his immense hug with her own ineffective pats from her shorter hooves.

“Oh, my goodness Spike, you’re bigger than I remember!” She strained out as he closed her tighter. Spike wanted to soak in his old friend’s warmth. Her words made him realize that he was probably crushing her. He awkwardly shuffled off her and rubbed his head, blushing.

“Sorry Rare, got too excited I guess.” He felt his smile stay just as big when she straightened her frilly white dress with gold inlay and smiled back up at him. Those eyes were still shining behind the slight fog that was growing in them. Spike remembered that Rarity had told him before he left that her eye doctor was worried of cataracts, but would not worry about it for a while. They did not look even close to bad, but Spike still worried. A tiny gray sliver was forming in the mare’s perfectly purple mane. Wow, the last few years must have been tough. She’s only… twenty-five? No, six. Spike felt shamed at his misremembrance of the mare’s birthday. There was a time when he would be the first to wish her one the night it turned midnight. Those days were long gone, and Spike could hardly remember his own birthday in the face of so many responsibilities.

“You are looking so dapper in that uniform Spikey, even if it is a little crumpled from your bar run.” She poked at him and gave a small giggle. Spike looked down to see the wrinkles on his vest and a tiny splash of the bourbon on his white collar. He smiled back to her.

“You’re looking as breathtaking as ever. I don’t think I’ve seen that dress since…”

“The gala, I know. I didn’t think it would fit after all this time! But lady luck has other plans for the head of fashion mare.” Her eyes twinkled as Spike recounted the popular magazine back home.

“No way! That’s amazing when did that happen!” He burst out.

“Just over a year ago. This vacation was a celebration given to me by miss Fashion herself.” Rarity nodded to the other pony who had been politely waiting for the two.

Spike took notice of her and saw she was a few years older but just as beautiful as Rarity. Her black coat was shimmering against the silver dress she wore, and her bright, blonde mane was bound tightly with golden ribbon. Her black horn had swirls of purple running through it. She reached out a hoof and Spike took it delicately as he raised it to a kiss.

“Miss High Fashion. Pleased to finally meet the illusive royal ambassador. This one tells me about you all the time.” She wiggled her brow at Rarity. The white mare blushed and waved weakly at her.

“Not all the time.”

“Oh, come now Rarity! You have told me the stories of this dragon’s eye for your gem line almost every monthly visit! She says her business would have died without you; you know.” She winked at Spike who tugged on his collar.

“Ah, Rarity is being too generous. She had all the ideas. I just licked em.” He gave his goofy grin to Rarity and Miss Fashion. This caused the black mare to burst out giggling.

“I dare say; Rarity, your product has genuine dragon spit on it? How classy!” The two mares stifled some laughter unbefitting of such well-dressed fashionistas. Spike chuckled along.

“Spikey, I had no idea you would be here! Well, I had hoped you would when I heard this liner was headed for Nor… Norfland…”

“Norfandia.” He corrected.

“Yes! I had prayed to Celestia that we might see you. But when I was downstairs earlier, I didn’t see a purple dragon anywhere! I thought you were staying another year.” She looked into his eyes and twinkled them again. “But I’m glad I was wrong.”

Spike felt his chest swell as his heart burned happily.

“Me too.”

He suddenly felt the wooziness come back to him. The high of excitement was wearing off and he clutched the wall for balance.

“Oh dear, dragon gone seasick?” Fashion said as she trotted over to brace him. Spike felt his head swimming.

“Just—Just a little lightheaded. I guess alcohol and seas don’t mix well. I’ll never get how those pirates did it.” He managed out. Spike closed his eyes to block the bright lights.

“Oh, darling you must get back to your room to sleep! Making sick this early on the cruise would ruin the whole thing. Please, let us help you back.” Rarity braced his left arm against her. Spike wanted to thank them, but the idea of just talking brought back a wave of nausea.

“Room 1001. Quick.” He gutted out. The two mares began walking with the dragon braced awkwardly between them. His body was almost twice the size of them, and he was stooped down so they were almost dragging his legs across the floor. Rarity cast a glance at Fashion.

“1001? That’s the V.I.P. suite darling. How ever did you manage that? I know being the ambassador has its perks, but even princess Luna had to haggle for that one.”

Spike cracked an eye open. He did not want to tell these two mares how he got such an elusive position on the cruise. Thought technically it was a gift insisted by the government of Norfandia, Spike still felt like he had stolen it from someone else.

“I guess you could say I know a guy.” He managed.

Rarity fished out his keycard with her magic and opened the door. She almost dropped him at the sight. Much like Spike’s previous awe, the two mares were astounded at the room.

“Spikey… wow.” Was all the pearly mare could manage.

“Pretty sweet, I know. I’d love to invite you over sometime, but if I don’t lay down this whole room is going kaput.” Spike felt bad about the abrupt and unpleasant shunt, but he could barely manage his eyes up from the carpet.

“Of course, darling. Let us know if you need anything. I’m in 1004 and Fashion in 1005. Just down the hall. Rest well Spikey.” She and Fashion lay him out on the bed and switched the lights off. Spike was grateful for the respite from the onslaught of brightness. He stuck out his thumb in a form of appreciation as he heard the door creak closed.

Fates

The two mares backed away from the door. Rarity was blushing madly. Fashion nudged her with her shoulder.

“I think it’s fate, dear. I wouldn’t waste this opportunity if I were you.” She flashed a cheeky grin at Rarity which caused her blush to grow all the hotter.

“It—It’s just a coincidence.” She stammered out.

“Awfully convenient that the very dragon we were talking about barrels into my ass right when you were getting all hot and flustered, my dear. Speak of the devil and all that…” She began pacing away with Rarity close in tow.

“It’s not like that. I was just… remembering fondly. That’s all.”

The two mares were lucky that Spike had been drunk, stumbling, and not paying attention. He would have heard some very unladylike things they had been sharing. Specifically, about him. Specifically, about Rarity’s eyes for him since he had been in her house that one night.

“Very fondly. You sounded like a school filly with her first crush. Even writing him love letters you never sent! How charming.” The jet-black mare smiled at Rarity, her white teeth looking like a row of pearls set against the black of space.

“Well… I did send one.” Rarity squeaked. Fashion’s smile widened.

“You did? Which one dear? Was it the one about your professions of love and lustful cravings for the handsome drake? Or perhaps it was the one where you told him that ‘nopony got me quite like you’! Oh please Rarity, tell me it was that one!” Fashion was laughing now, and Rarity’s cheeks were flushed as she managed a polite smile.

“None of those, I’m afraid. No. I simply sent him one the day he left for Nor—” She tripped over her tongue again. “—that new land. I just told him that ‘when he was done adventuring, I should be the first to know’. We could celebrate his return like we did my success all those years ago.” She added wistfully. Fashion had stopped laughing and was listening to her friend with a smile.

“Awfully sweet Rarity. Trying to coerce him into a drunken night of splendor?” She teased. Rarity flushed in anger and embarrassment.

“No! I—I would never take advantage of anypony like that! Especially Spikey!”

“Calm yourself dear, I only tease. I know you want to see him snoring next to you again. Nothing wrong with that.” The older mare raised her hoof in defense.

Rarity shot her eyes down to the carpet and hung her head lower, her ears laying back in shame.

“Oh, my apologies for the outburst.” She muttered.

“I believe our handsome dragon had the right idea. Some sleep may do us well before we spend our energy on the first night. Say, breakfast tomorrow?” Fashion paused at Rarity’s door to let her friend consider. Before Rarity could answer in protest, Fashion held her chin up and cut her off. “Ah ah, I know. I will make sure we dine in the open so as not to miss your dashing friend.” She winked down to Rarity. Her nerves seemed to calm.

“That sounds delightful, Miss Fashion. Thank you again for the vacation. I’m more grateful than you know.” She apologetically said. Fashion dipped her head and pulled Rarity into a hug.

“No thanks necessary, my dear. I’m just glad I could make somepony’s life a little better.”

They hugged tightly before Fashion made her way down the hall into her own room. Rarity turned to crack open her door. The suite she stayed in was not as large as the V.I.P. room, but it was still high-end. A bathroom sat on her right with a tub and full counter, and a fridge and dining table to her left. Her bed sat against the left wall with a small T.V. on the opposite side. Her window shot out to look on the port deck of the liner where the shuffleboard and bingo seats were. What a thrilling view Rarity chuckled.

She made her way over to the small table and sat down, letting the tension of smiling and standing all day fade out from her. Rarity levitated a bottle of water over from the fridge and gulped down the cold soothes in her dry throat. She leaned forward, resting her head on folded hooves over the table. Spikey… She found her mind involuntarily drifting towards the purple and green dragon. He had become much taller, stronger, and sharper than she remembered. Then again, the last time she had seen him was almost six years ago. That was before he had taken a long tour of ambassador summits. She still remembered their conversations and last night together.

He had been smaller then, but still taller than his youthful frame. His lanky limbs were beginning to pack in the muscle, and his wings expandinginto the strong appendages fit to carry a large creature. They had all met in Twilight’s old castle one last time as the map had called Spike on his list of destinations. Everypony had been there to reminisce and say their goodbyes. It was not until they had all gone to sleep that Rarity had been alone with Spike in the map room.

Rarity shivered in delight at the memory. Just the two of us.

They had sat across from each other; swapping more stories, fashion advice, workout routines, and foods Spike would miss for the next few years. Rarity had wanted to come with him, at least to Las Pegasus under the guise of checking her department lines there. Spike had insisted on traveling with as little as necessary for quick departures. It hurt Rarity a little, but she understood. After all, had she not been the same when setting out on her fashion line trip a year before that? Spike had insisted on coming to help, but Rarity denied. She almost missed his farewell because of that trip.

Rarity pushed herself up from the table and trotted to the bed. Her hooves made only soft plunking sounds against the thick carpet. Using her magic, she pulled back the zipper on her dress. Despite her love of fashion, she was glad to be out of the constricting fabric and clunky bracelets. The dress fell to the ground and Rarity lifted it into the closet hanger, letting all the wrinkles air themselves out after the long day. Her mane unraveled as she pulled on the braids to let the natural curl of her purple hair bounce back against her withers. It felt freeing as the taught feeling in her head released.

She crawled onto the bed and ducked underneath the comforter on top. Snuggling down into the soft mattress, she flicked the T.V. on to see if there were some program to distract her from the dragon down the hall. The channels flickered around as she fiddled with the remote. She settled on an interview with one of the psychologists from Canterlot. His name rolled across the bottom as the interviewer was popping some questions for him. Dr. Hermann Ebbinghorse.

“So, Dr. Ebbinghorse, in regard to memory, what really elicits these dramatic responses in someone? Like, why is it when I’m minding my own that I suddenly have these strong nostalgic feelings for someone or something when I’m doing my own thing?”

The bookish stallion adjusted his tie and spoke in a thick Germane accent.

“Memories… are complicated. But simple at the same time. We remember what is meaningful. Despite whatever else we spend our time studying, memorizing, or practicing, we will make room in our heads for what is meaningful to us. You are more likely to remember a poem about the sky if you find it fascinating than if you were to hear one about a forest. You will remember the classes you enjoy instead of the general credits you are forced to take. In that same instance, you are likely to remember a face if they leave an impression. A good friend laughing will stay in your memory instead of a stranger chuckling. It sounds like something everybody would know already, but the theory had not been explored before officially. When you see a glimpse of something that reminds you of a friend, you are already predisposed to expect to see them around.”

He rambled on about learning curves, list memorization, and other memory things. Rarity turned the volume down and settled back further into the pillows. She thought about that. She tried remembering other times she had just seen her friends drift off to sleep, but the only one that kept coming back was Spike on her couch almost eight years ago, or in the throne room six years. She kept thinking about that silly dragon. It was hard to view him as the fawning boy he had been all those years ago; now he was a tall, strong, and very handsome man. It sent Rarity shivering in both excitement and sadness. She had every opportunity to snag the dragon when he was younger. She knew he would have done anything for her. Now he was his own, and surely, he had his ripe picking of mares or dragons or whatever else he surrounded himself by. Rarity was sure she stood no chance.

“It has to be fate.” She whispered into the empty room illuminated by the T.V. “It has to be…”

Rooms

Spike awoke to the blinding of the sun piercing his shut eyes through the massive window. That would be the downside. He groaned in pain as his headache resurfaced in a throb. Clearly, he had lost his ability to hold a drink. He shielded his eyes from the giant ball of flame and pushed up on one arm to sit upright in his bed.

“You couldn’t let me sleep a little longer Twilight?” He gave a little chuckle as he remembered the punctuality of his sister. “Of course not. ‘The day starts when it starts’!” He mocked her cheery tone.

He looked down at his clothes, still crinkled and sloppy from his time at the bar last night. He frowned as he realized that he was missing a clean set to wear in place of them. Spike thought about going around without clothes while they washed, but then he remembered how many Norfandians were here, and just how much they valued the clothing. His time with them had truly changed his attitude. Spike chose to keep the slightly messy uniform on while washing his other clothes.

He slowly got to his feet to feel the soft carpet below. His back cracked as he stood fully and spread his wings. They popped along the firm tendons that ran along the top and shook in pleasure from the release. Spike made his way groggily to the bathroom door while holding his head in a futile attempt to soothe the throb. The door swung inward as he twisted the handle to show a washer and dryer sitting next to each other. A glass partition lay past them with a full-sized bathtub and stand-up shower. The toilet sat opposite from the tub with a tan carpet at the base. Spike scoffed at the unnecessary accommodations, but decided to take advantage of them anyway.

He moved his suitcase full of dirty clothes over to the washer and began unzipping it. A stench wafted from the cracks that made Spike hold his nose and hastily unload them into the metal box. He grabbed the detergent from above the machine and filled the port. Spike decided to give an extra helping of the stuff, just in case. The smell of his clothes made Spike remember something he thought better left alone. He refused to check any of the ripped or worn fabrics for stains. He did not ever want to see that kind of thing again.

Spike then unbuttoned his shirt and vest to hang them on the glass partition. He figured he would at least let the shower steam the clothes to make them slightly less wrinkled. Once he pulled the shirt off his scales, he noticed the almost alien feeling of air on his exposed chest and back.

Just then, a knock sounded from the front. Spike groaned in protest, but made his way over to the door. He started the laundry machine as he passed and closed the bathroom to avoid the annoying tumbling of the washer. He pulled the front door open and looked around before realizing his intruder was below him. Spike craned his neck slightly to look at the white pony in front of him. He flashed a smile to Rarity as he caught her eyes wandering up his exposed form.

“Hiya Rare, you’re up early.” He noted. She blushed a little as she caught his eyes.

“Yes, well, I could hardly sleep knowing an old friend was waiting with what must be such exhilarating stories. Ones that could rival Dash’s I would imagine.” She gave a polite and thin-lipped smile up to him. Spike leaned back against the door frame and crossed his arms.

“Yea… I don’t know about that.” He said more to himself.

“What was that dear?”

“Nothing.” He looked down the hall to see some trolls arising from their room. They hastily rounded the corner, all of them wearing shorter clothes for the ocean sun.

“Curious creatures, aren’t they?” Rarity’s posh voice snapped Spike away from the hall. He looked back down to the mare who was staring in the same direction.

“Sure, but they’re just as unique and special as us. They’re good people. All of them.” He wanted to make sure that any negative images that Rarity had of the trolls or other creatures were pushed away. He had lived with them for so long, he almost felt a part of them. Spike had formed many friendships and allies in the foreign land. He would argue with anypony who told him that they were off putting. All the Norfandians had welcomed Spike and worked hard for friendship.

Well, almost all of them.

“I meant nothing by it darling, just that I have never seen them before. They must be equally curious by my own beauty.” She giggled and turned back to Spike, her mane tossing loosely in front of one eye. It gave her a seductive look to the otherwise innocent grin. Spike shifted uncomfortably. Rarity’s smile dropped and she reached forward with one hoof.

“Spikey… your chest. Is that a—”

Spike glanced down in panic and moved his crossed arms slightly higher in reflex.

“Nothing. Sleep line.” His lie was awful; he knew she would not buy it. He was affirmed by her quizzical look. Spike smiled to cover his hasty response. “Tell you what Rarity; give me twenty minutes to shower and dress, and I’ll take you out to catch up.” He stood to make his way back into the room while still facing her. Can’t have her see what’s really back here.

She frowned at him and retreated a pace.

“Sorry Spikey, I’ll have to delay that request. Fashion and I are having breakfast together in a few minutes. But I’d love to see you for lunch!” She cheerfully replied. Spike nodded.

“All well. I got some laundry to do anyway. Lunch at the bar? My treat?” He flashed her another smile and began closing the door.

“With what money, Spike? You most certainly haven’t been making any while on your trip. I know because Twilight talks about how you refused her release of payment overseas. You must have a fortune piled up for when you’re home.” Her eyes drifted past the closing door to see the dragon pause.

“It’s—well, It’s not important. Please. I insist.” He gave her one last grin and closed the door.

Names

Rarity knit her eyebrows in confusion. She was sure that Spike had a scar there. And from the looks of it, it was deep and long. Rarity had not noticed that the last time she saw him; then again, she had not seen him for years. It must have been acquired from one of his excursions. Maybe just a boy being a boy. Yes, that must be it.

Rarity did not know much of anything about Norfandia; not as much as anypony else anyway. Communication with the continent was sparse and slow. Only envoys and rulers exchanged much of anything after Spike had introduced the two lands. Rarity had not bothered to ask Twilight about the land other than to see if she knew anything about Spike’s status. Even then, Twilight knew little. What she did share was that Spike was well and still establishing foundations. If there were any incident in Norfandia, nopony had heard about it.

Maybe it was just his reckless climbing or flying.

Rarity made her way down the hall and passed another troll who was looking at the portraits. The creature had a bald spot atop its head and the jaw awkwardly thrust out below the lips. Horns were sticking out of his head, nubby and flat. It wore a collared shirt and shorts that looked like a golf outfit. Rarity smiled politely as it turned to look at her. She held in a gasp as its mouth contorted to draw the lips back and reveal jutted teeth in response. That is… one unique smile. She gulped down her discomfort.

“Hi, I like your horn.” The creature growled. Rarity blushed and instinctively reached to cover it. She stopped herself and remembered that this was not some stallion treating her like a hussy, but a delicate and new creature simply trying to fit in.

“Thank you. Yours are quite neat as well.” She responded gracefully. Its mouth contorted farther.

“Thanks! I nearly lost both of em in the trench, but Sir Spike saw to it that I kept my lil nubs.” He let out a guffawing that rattled Rarity’s ears. Trench?

Before Rarity could ask anything, the troll gestured to the portrait of Princess Luna.

“Is this the pony who controls the sky?” the innocent question threw Rarity off. It had not occurred to her that these creatures did not know of Celestia or Luna, or now Twilight.

“She… did. Only part of it. The moon. She retired a while ago, but she used to be the one to raise the moon.” Rarity replied. The troll’s eyes furrowed in what Rarity could only guess was confusion.

“Not… anymore? You can retire from moving the moon?”

Rarity giggled at his lack of understanding.

“Kind of. She passed her power onto Twilight Sparkle. She now moves both the sun and moon.” Her answer cleared the small cloud around the troll as he looked back to portrait.

“Ponies are so weird.” He said bluntly. Rarity almost burst out laughing.

“You have no idea, my friend.” The troll turned at her comment and twisted his face again. Rarity now put it together that this was probably the best they could manage for a smile. She smiled back.

“Thank you, friend!” His excitement at the title made the troll swing his arms in front of him limply and give a small hop. Clearly, he was thrilled at having made a new friend.

“What’s your name?” Rarity gestured for him to calm down. His smile thickened.

“Roc. I come from a strong family of timber-fellers. Papa gave me the industry a few years ago. My wife comes from a family of technicians. Her papa gave her rights to new timber tech.” he answered lengthily. Rarity was confused for a second before realizing it was her turn to answer.

Apparently, Norfandians shared their heritage as introductions. Rarity obliged by returning her own.

“Rarity. My… father does a lot of things. Mostly a traveler I would call.” She realized she did not actually know what her father did on a day-to-day basis. She saw Roc looking expectant as she finished. Oh, my… husband. “I’m not married.” She smiled painfully at the words. There was an obvious pain that surrounded her relationship status. Rarity had always been subjected to objectification through her life. She could woo any stallion she wanted, yes, but getting them to stay around was harder than she thought. It haunted her during her episodes of depression when she would binge, sew, and neglect her health. It was not obviously the reason for her depression, but it did not help.

“A pretty girl like you? Well then, what’s wrong?” Roc asked bashfully. Rarity was taken aback at his abrupt and direct question. Must be another cultural thing.

“Nothing necessarily, just… waiting for the right dra—STALLION! Stallion.” She blushed furiously and smiled again at her slip. Roc seemed to not take note.

“Wise as you are beautiful. Settling is pathetic. Good things come to those who wait.” He echoed the advisory words she had heard all her life. Rarity remembered her parents saying the same thing when her previous boyfriend had left her for some flank-shaker from Saddle Arabia.

“Yes, let’s hope so.” She moved past the troll who now turned back to the portraits, gazing at the intricate design of such colorful creatures. Rarity took the chance to speed her walk away from the troll. It had not been an unpleasant conversation, but Rarity was ill equipped to maintain talk with a culture she had no idea about. Maybe Spike would teach her.

Portraits

Spike stepped under the warm shower head and winced at the pattering against his scales. It reminded him too much of dirt showers and rainstorms. His worry soon ebbed away with the soothing warmth as he placed a hand against the wall. The water traced along his most sensitive reminders of Norfandia and its trouble. The massive scars that ran between his wings and around his torso throbbed under the warm assault of liquid. They were fresher than he had hoped. So were the memories.

Spike shook himself. Hold it together man. Just get home, then we’ll deal. One day at a time. He raised his head to douse his face with the water, closing his second set of clear eyelids meant for ducking under lakes and rivers. Once he was back in Equestria, he knew Twilight would pepper him with questions and not take no for an answer. He would have to face his memories then. But he could last until he got there without thinking of them.

He turned the water off and stepped out when the washing machine buzzed to tell him the laundry was ready to be switched. He walked over and pulled the door open, transferring the soggy clothes to the dryer. A small rag fell out from between the pile. It was still stained in some places with dirt and a dark oily substance, but the cyan color shone through at some parts. He snatched it up and stopped for a second. This was a memory he could allow.

The band was given to him by president Fenris when Spike had first agreed to help the Norfandians. It was a symbol of great respect and command. He had worn it almost everyday since receiving it. Spike had not removed it until he packed for his journey home. The tight feeling of the band echoed around his right bicep as if the small rag was calling out to be worn again. Spike smiled. Maybe I will. The Norfandians on board would get a kick out of it. Spike pushed the thought out as quickly as it appeared. You’re already getting too much special treatment for what happened. No need to incite more. He reluctantly tossed the rag in the dryer.

The shirt and vest he had hung from the glass had slightly smoothed out, and his pants that were neatly folded on top of the toilet looked smooth. Spike decided against the vest today and just chose to wear the button up with his sleeves rolled in favor of the heat outside. It had been almost thirty minutes since Rarity had knocked. He found himself hoping she had stuck around for him or even snuck in to wait for him to be done. He found his room just the way he left it, and the hall just as empty. Spike sighed and decided he should get out of his room if he were to make something of the day. Breakfast could not hurt, and he had heard there was an on-board gym somewhere. Spike was eager to test the grit of his muscles after the long and hardening years.

He rounded the corner to see a familiar troll gazing at Discord’s portrait at the end of the line. Spike wracked his brain for the name of the man standing in front of him. Before he could come up with it, the troll turned and smiled at Spike.

“Hail, hero! I was hoping I would see the hero of the mountain on the ship!” He bowed to Spike who returned the favor.

“You couldn’t miss me! I’ve been told I stand out.” Spike laughed with the troll. It was no secret that he was as unique and strange in Norfandia as a pony to the folks there. The added legend of dragons in their home gave him extra reverence.

“Quite so, great beast. It is an honor that Roc could meet you face-to-face.”

“Meet?” Spike interjected. “You look familiar, Roc. Have we not met before?” The troll grinned.

“Well, I saw you swoop in above me and save my unit in the trench at Mershaw.” The troll rubbed his short horns. “Ya saved what was left of these boys from that inferno.”

Spike smiled and bowed again.

“It was my pleasure, Roc. Think nothing of it.”

“I’ll think of it for the rest of my life. You saved it after all!” The troll reached out to pat Spike’s shoulder. He let it happen. Touch was one of the main ways Norfandians expressed sincerity between them. No one ever touched another without significant reason.

“Say, your pony friends, they are an odd bunch. I can see why you like them so.” Roc wiggled his brows. Then he jerked a thumb over to Discord. “But this one, he is not a pony. Or she. Or whatever. Who is this?” Spike let out a short laugh.

“That would be the master of chaos himself, Discord. He’s a draconiquis is what they’re called.”

“Chaos, eh? He certainly looks the part. Will I be able to meet him in Equestria?” Roc’s eyes glinted in curiosity. Spike nodded slightly.

“Sure Roc, I’ll see what I can do.”

The troll smiled and put his hands in the pockets of his shorts.

“I best be heading off. The wife will be waking up now, expecting some food. Pleasure to see you, sir.” He bowed once more and hastily jogged towards the stairs. Spike waited a moment so as not to run into the pudgy figure as he made his own way down.

Decks

Rarity and High Fashion sat at a table on the deck with an umbrella shading their plates from the rays of sunshine. They had grabbed quite an assortment of fruit along with a bowl of oats. Freshly squeezed apple juice filled their glass cups and scintillated in the odd rays of light that passed through. Rarity wondered if somehow Applejack’s harvest would be in her glass. Fashion lifted the glass and took a long drink of the sweet substance before clearing her throat.

“So, you didn’t ask.” She stated rather than asked.

“He looked like he was in the middle of something. I didn’t want him to feel obligated to join us.” Rarity lied through a pitchy voice. The truth was, she wanted her time with Spike to be… well just that; her time with Spike. Fashion shook her head.

“A shame, really. I was so looking forward to meeting the only man who vexed miss Rarity of the fashion headlines.” She cast a wayward smile to the white mare. Rarity rolled her eyes and folded her hooves over the table.

“He does not vex me; I simply remember him most of all the suitors. He actually cares. You would be surprised how rare that is.” Rarity put off nonchalantly.

“I would not be surprised.” Fashion’s brow raised in a knowing look. Rarity bit her tongue. Of course this fashionista would have her fair share of stiffs and broads hoping to bed a high-end mare. It would be one of the finest notches on their belt. Fashion had always told Rarity about her pride of self-restraint. Rarity had gone so far as to guess she was still ‘pure’. Miss Fashion was not a pony who could be won by simple flattery and gestures. Rarity wanted to be as controlled as her ever since they had met a year ago. Her whole life had taken a change when the experienced woman had offered Rarity her dream job of head of Mare Fashion. She was an inspiration manifestation.

“Either way,” Fashion continued, “caring or not, I would hope you retain that dignity that so catches the eyes of high-minded mares. A lady does not go slobbering over her foal-hood crush.”

“I would never!” Rarity protested. “Good fortune brought us to this cruise together. Two old friends given a chance to catch up and converse.” Fashion raised another skeptical look.

“Friends?”

“Yes. Just friends. That’s all.” Rarity forced a smile out to her mentor. Right now, she was really wishing she had just snuck into the V.I.P. room to wait for Spike.

A wolfman crept by their table startling the two mares. His hunched form was covered in a deep black fur that looked as unkempt as the face of the creature. It walked on two legs, like the trolls, but kept its front claws poised as though ready to snatch anything in its path. Rarity was unsettled by all the new creatures aboard, but tried er best to be as open-minded as possible. These creatures would not be on board if they were not at least somewhat dignified. She remembered her initial attitude towards the changelings, the hippogriffs, the griffons, and many other races of Equestria. All of them had turned out well and good, some of them even opening an entirely new line for Rarity to work with. Perhaps that was the opportunity she needed with these new creatures.

From what she could see however, most of them opted to wear clothes regularly. Not cheap ones either. The most casual dress she saw was the swimsuits worn by the passengers, whereas most daily dress was always on the more ‘sophisticated’ side of dress. She noticed that Spike too had been wearing clothes at all times. He never did that in Ponyville or other parts of home. Maybe he’s changed more than I thought.

Fashion tossed her unwoven mane behind her head as she took another sip of the apple juice.

“These new creatures give an entirely new and startling chance for fashion. I hope this cruise is bringing you some killer ideas for the show in winter.” Rarity beamed at her chance to demonstrate her proficiency.

“Absolutely! I’ve already concocted designs for fur-based couture that will be not only fashionable, but so practical that every other line will struggle for customers!”

“Splendid. Can’t wait to see the drafts.” Fashion smiled at her friend. Then she leaned across the table right next to Rarity’s poised ears. “I also wonder what kind of ‘tricks’ our new friends have in store.” She retreated back with a devilish grin on her face. Rarity snorted and rolled her eyes again.

“Come now, I know we’re on vacation, but that does not give us the right to act like a disgusting pig.” It was Rarity’s turn to remind Fashion of her place. Despite her innocence, Fashion had quite the imaginative mind and was not afraid to explore her options. The mare had only ever dated one stallion, but had experimented with four other creatures as her partners before. Rarity had no doubt that she would be on the arm of a troll or wolfman by the end of the cruise.

“I hear some centaur boarded. I bet you they’re enjoying the gym right now. I’d be curious to know what those massive creatures are really capable of.”

“FASHION! Inappropriate!” Rarity scolded.

“What? I’m just wondering what their sets are like. I was thinking of going to the gym myself after this breakfast.” She grinned back to the flustered girl. Rarity calmed herself down and skeptically gazed at the black furred pony that stared at the trolls in the pool.

“Not the worst of ideas…” Rarity grumbled. Truth be told, she was hoping to work some of the vacation body off before it settled in. Creatures had a bad habit of falling out of routine on such a long time off of their norms.

“Great! Let’s head back and grab our things. Gym in forty-five? I hear a hot yoga is scheduled for 9:30!” Fashion stood quickly and made her way back inside the deck cover. Rarity scrambled to follow.

“Only if you promise to be my dip partner! You know I would be devastated if I strained something without a spotter like last time.”

Gyms

Spike had wandered onto the fourth deck in his exploration of the ship. This was supposedly the recreational deck. Somewhere up here was a lap pool, full gym, private rooms for classes, pottery decks, photo mounts, and so much more where creatures could refine their skills and try new things. The first room Spike had come across was small and padded inside. He grinned as he took note of the musical instruments within. His time in Norfandia had only allowed him a rough picking of guitar strings whenever they could cobble one together in night camps. It had been years since he had touched a real musical instrument from a trusted source.

Spike grabbed the wooden frame and hoisted the light instrument up. He slung the hold across his back and strummed it. Tuned perfectly. Impressive. He fingered a standard G chord to see if his claws could remember the ancient melodies he had composed so long ago. While rough, the musical knowledge was still there. There was a keyboard as well. He plinked around on the keys, trying different progressions and arpeggiations. Again, the music was there, but his movements unrefined; rusty.

Spike decided he would come back another time to practice. Maybe he could even compose a homecoming piece to play for his friends when he got back. He strolled through the corridors, gazing into the rooms where trolls and wolfmen were imitating a pony instructor on meditation. They all look agitated. Spike held a laugh as he remembered the irritation of Norfandians when it came to taking things slow. Patience was not a virtue in a society where life seemed to go as fast as an apple cider mug in selling season.

Down the hall further was a large glass wall that had a single door. It led Spike into the main gym. Racks of dumbbells and machines lined neatly in rows across the whole room. It was currently only occupied by a troll with headphones and the three centaur from the dock. Spike whistled softly as he watched the large blue centaur who had stopped him press a six-plated bar from his chest upwards in a flat-bench technique. No way would I have made it past him. Spike thought. The centaur’s muscles strained and bulged under the bar while his friends yelled at him to push harder. They laughed as he settled it into the place holder and sat up to scold his friends. Spike leaned against the window as they swapped places to start another set. The blue centaur spotted the dragon watching and smiled. He gestured for him to come in, but Spike held up a claw. He was hardly dressed for a gym session, and he had been out of practice in routine for a while. The centaur would not take no for an answer as he nudged his other friend. They both looked to Spike and started raising their fists up and down. Clearly by the movement of their mouths, they were chanting for him to come in. Spike smiled and rolled his eyes before opening the door and entering. They all cheered as he approached.

“Great beast! Care to see how a real beast throws a rack?” The blue centaur grinned.

“Oh, was that you throwing a real rack? I thought your head would explode from the strain of that last set.” Spike jested back. The centaur blushed in his already reddened face and folded his arms as the other two laughed.

“I could have done better, but these clowns think it’s funny to yell about my mother while I’m pressing more than their sorry carcasses.” He shrugged to gesture to the other two centaur who were laughing at their comrade’s defensiveness. Spike raised a hand.

“I meant only in jest.” He clarified. “I couldn’t even come close to that much weight. Very impressive.” The centaur found his confidence back and raised his chin proudly at the compliment.

“Say, you wanna give it a go?” The other centaur asked. He was equally as shredded as his friend, but the golden tone of his skin seemed to accentuate his veins more contrast giving him the illusion of bigger limbs.

“Sorry fellas. You think I’d bench in my only good shirt? Not a chance.” Spike folded his arms and smirked.

“Take it off then. Nobody in here cares. I’m sure you’ve got nothing to be ashamed of under there anyway.” The red centaur said from his seated position.

“Nah, I better not.” Spike protested. The three again started chanting ‘take it off’ in hopes of coercing the dragon to join them.

It worked.

Spike caved and started slowly unbuttoning his shirt. The troll and centaur would know why and how he got his scars, and they would know not to press the subject. No sane person would come to the gym while these three were here, so Spike had little worry of ponies catching his battered torso.

“Told you man. You’ve got a great figure.”

“Yea, it’s like your scales somehow make you look more toned.”

“I’ll say. You look like you got carved from a history book of some ancient war hero.”

The centaur all chuckled and pushed each other. Spike looked down and noticed that they were somewhat right. His scales made his abdomen stand out in definition, while his chest looked blocky and thick with all the overlapping squares. His musculature had increased drastically since he was younger, but years in dedicated application gave them definition and strength. There had been more than once that Spike had thanked his body for being strong enough to lift a log or brace a wall.

He took position under the bar and braced his claws.

“At least give me a warmup. I’m not doing a full set off the bat.” He whined. The last thing he needed was for his relaxation to be lived out in agony because of some pulled tendon or muscle.

Spike pressed the bar hard as he struggled to finish the final set. Sweat poured out from under his scales, sending itches wracking across his body. His forked tongue stuck out between his teeth tightly as he shook up the massive bar. Five plates were on each side and he had already done a full set of it. One more, and the centaur had promised to stop haggling with him.

Consort, Drakon, and Mirek had all bonded with the dragon over the last hour due to their love of working out. Consort, the golden-tinged centaur, had even won a few flexing shows before. Drakon had said that his red skin kept him from showing too much strain during a workout, always giving the illusion that he had more in him. Mirek complained about his blue skin actively working against his form. No matter how hard he tried, his veins were always invisible against it.

Spike breathed out so tightly between his teeth that a small flame shot up to scorch between his hands. The centaur all ‘ooed’ at his struggle. Spike finally straightened his elbows as Mirek spotted him and guided the bar back into holding place.

“Excellent form beast! I see now why they call you the hero of the mountain!” Spike sat up out of breath as Drakon slapped his shoulder.

“Tha—Thank-- thanks guys.” Spike choked out. He started unconsciously scratching his scales where the salty drops leaked through.

“I think you got yourself some secret admirers’ boss.” Consort lowered his voice. His eyes darted across the room to where a coal-black unicorn twisted sharply to avoid Spike’s gaze. She pretended unconvincingly to help spot…

Rarity.

Spike blushed as her eyes quickly darted to the squat rack she sat under. Spike palmed his face and leaned forward.

Jeez, subtle much? He laughed at himself.

“Man, ponies are kinda cute. You think we’ll have a shot with them?” Drakon wondered aloud.

“Maybe I will; you’re lucky if a swamp eel takes you with that ugly mug!” Mirek teased on. Spike stood and leaned himself against the rack. He jutted his chin at the two mares.

“Why don’t you go find out? I think these two would be more than curious to know if they had an equal shot.” Spike grinned wickedly. He knew how awkward and flustered Rarity would get when approached by these massive creatures.

“Alright. Dibs on the hot one.”

“No, I wanted her!”

“Too bad suckers, she’s definitely going for me.”

The centaur all argued louder and louder as the mares glanced nervously over. Spike gave a little claw wave and winked as they yelled over him. Fashion and Rarity giggled and turned back to their workout. Spike almost forgot that he had been hiding his scars from them.

Almost.

He quickly realized how exposed he felt and threw his shirt on. The sweat stained the soft fabric, but Spike did not care. Hopefully they had been too far away to see them clearly.

“Hey, sir Spike, where you going?” Mirek whined out.

“Just got some other business to attend to boys. Tell you what; you all have a bench off to see who gets the chance for the mares.” Spike grinned up at them. He knew that competition would last longer than Fashion or Rarity cared to stick around.

“Great idea! Me first.”

“No, me!”

“Nah, weaklings go last.”

“So that’s why you ought to!”

Their arguments faded as Spike walked towards the exit. He pulled the glass door and stepped out into the cooler air of the hallway. He sped past the glass only glancing momentarily at Rarity as she helped to spot Fashion. Their eyes locked for a split second before both sought random things that suddenly became very interesting.

Rarity threw the bar back on its hold. She huffed out as her shoulder groaned in protest. Her mane was put up in a tight ponytail to keep out of her face during the workout. Rarity hissed through her teeth.

“Fashion, you were supposed to be spotting me!” She whined. Rarity turned to see the unicorn staring across the gym. Her friend was gazing at the group of centaur as they yelled at the figure on the bench. Rarity found herself entranced at the efforts of the person holding up the immense bar. She could not see who was laying there, but those arms looked familiar. Just as Rarity was discerning who the figure was, the broad-shouldered dragon sat up and caught her eyes. She caught a glimpse of his bare chest. Even though she had known Spike long before he adopted clothes, there was something more about catching him now. Rarity suddenly felt shamed and turned back to her rack to save face. She felt Fashion bump into her hastily.

“Sorry dear, just admiring the view.”

“Fashion! Please! Some dignity would be nice.” Rarity chided. She moved out from under the bar and swapped places with Fashion. Her cheeks were flushed, and she could not tell if it was from the workout or her brief glance at the shirtless dragon. She got her answer a second later as Spike rushed past the glass window and caught her eyes. The flush grew hotter in her cheeks as he continued his stride. She noted he still wore the button down and pants from yesterday, but without his vest. Clearly, he had not been expecting to be in the gym today.

So why was he?

Fashion finished her final set, and only set Rarity bantered with herself. They moved out of the padded area of the gym while the centaur continued their heated debate over something. Fashion steered Rarity closer to the group and began sashaying her flanks as they passed. The centaur all stopped or at least lowered their voices. Fashion pretended not to notice while Rarity did everything in her power to look elsewhere.

“Say, you ponies wouldn’t know what there is to do on this sorry barge, would you?” the golden centaur grinned at them. Fashion smiled politely back and tossed her mane aside.

“We would!” Her chipper tone made Rarity wince in annoyance. Her friend turned to Rarity and gave her a pouty look. “But I’m afraid my darling friend here has her eyes set on another.” She winked.

Rarity hoisted her chin and scoffed. Before she could answer, the red centaur grunted and spoke.

“She seemed pretty set on Sir Spike just now. Seems like she’s unattached.” His disdain was evident. But his statement made Rarity think.

Sir Spike? Why the formality?

The centaur sighed again.

“I shouldn’t be haggling, I know. Sorry. Sir Spike told us all the time to ‘be accepting’ or whatever. Not an easy process when our people go to war every other year.” His sharp smile made it difficult for Rarity not to bolt for cover. He looked so much like Tirak.

“Well, funny you should mention that quirky little dragon! That just so happens to be the man of her dreams!” Fashion beamed out. Rarity felt a sense of horror set in.

“Fashion! Are you serious?” She exclaimed profusely.

“Wait, you wouldn’t happen to be… uh, I wanna say Clarity?” The blue centaur rubbed his chin.

“She’s Rarity, dear. High-end fashionista of Equestria!” Fashion continued.

“Ye—yes. Yes, I am Rarity.” She managed in spite of shock and embarrassment. The centaur smiled.

“The great beast Spike mentioned you all the time! You’re the one he said to thank for his generosity.” He laughed out as he extended a massive barrel arm. Rarity was confused for a moment before allowing her hoof to be taken for a shake.

“He… mentioned me?” She did not want to press it in fear of seeming desperate, but she was. “What did he say?”

“Only that you were some pony who was supposedly the prettiest in the world. Something about you being like the greatest thing to walk the earth? I didn’t buy it until we saw ya over there. I understand his eyes for you.” He wiggled his brows in jest. Rarity blushed.

Maybe he does still like me she hoped.

“Well boys, I better see my friend here to her room before she gets all flustered. I’ll be on the pool deck around 2 if you care to join.” Fashion winked at the three of them and began trotting away while waggling her tail.

“We’ll be there!” One called out as they opened the door.

“Fashion! Why would you get me—us into a situation like that?” Rarity scolded.

“My dear, did you not just receive the information that could take this cruise from luxurious to pleasurious? Spikey still loves you! Why not give it another chance?” But Rarity was already shaking her head.

“We don’t know that. He could have just been telling them for emphasis, or-or giving examples of his friends from home!” She protested. Fashion huffed in annoyance as they walked out onto the hardwood deck of the ship away from the gym.

“Rarity, why can’t you let yourself have some fun? Or just enjoy life. Stop making excuses to run away.” The stormy clouds in her eyes told Rarity that she had just made a mistake.

“Run away? I don’t run away.”

“Oh, but don’t you? You don’t remember what you told me about how when your business was taking off, it was your friends who coerced you into sending it. You were too scared. Or when I offered you the Mare Fashion position, you denied and kept listing other candidates. Or when we talked about all the past suitors of your life and how almost all of them were left standing agape because you couldn’t commit? No Rarity, you don’t run. You sprint away from your own happiness.” Her anger spat across and made Rarity’s ears fold back as she shunned away.

“That’s not fair.” Rarity squeaked out. She felt like she was about to cry. Fashion slowed her pace and sighed.

“I’m sorry dear. I don’t mean to be so rude. But when will you stop punishing yourself and just enjoy who you are? Let yourself be vulnerable for once. You may find it helps create some of the best memories of your life.”

They walked back in silence to their rooms. Rarity turned the idea over time and time again. Could she really just let herself chance life with an adolescent crush? Could she afford to create lasting memories with someone who might break her heart?

Fashion turned and stopped Rarity in her thoughts.

“Darling, I think it’s best that you take some time this cruise to yourself. Figure out what you want. I thought the weeks in SugarCuba would have done that, but clearly you need some you time.”

“But we had so many things we were planning to do!” Rarity stopped her.

“And we will, but you’re lost at sea. The only one who can row you in is you. Please Rarity, just…” Fashion strained her neck and looked out the porthole. “Just try and be happy by yourself, okay?” She turned back and smiled at the mare. Rarity felt her heart sink. She had been hoping to create some great memories with her new boss/coworker on this trip. Now she would spend at least a few days alone until she could convince Fashion to let her resume their plans.

Before Rarity could speak, Fashion turned and made for her door. It closed with the purple-black magical aura from her horn in a violent slam. Rarity shrunk away and found the hallway totally silent. Totally alone.

Levels

Spike grabbed the pile of laundry and laid it scattered on his bed. There were torn jackets, ripped pants, a couple shirts with the sleeves torn off, and a single pair of shorts that seemed intact. He grabbed at the collar of the shirt he wore and began unbuttoning it, eager to slip into some more casual clothes. Once he had taken off the formal attire, he dragged on the shorts and fit his head through the small hole in a very dirty but otherwise whole shirt. The grime and dirt from his time in the trenches had become as much a part of the shirt as the fabric; its dark blue tone fading into more of a navy or blackened shirt. Despite that, it smelled clean, looked alright, and fit well. Only Spike would have known its troubled history.

As he moved to settle the rest into his suitcase, the band from earlier again fell out. Small and loose items like it were sure to get lost if not taken care of. He brought it up again and studied the dirty cyan. The small tracing of a gold dragon head was barely visible through the faded fabric. Spike remembered when he was given it. The president of the United Norfandians had presented it to him as a token of authority and gratitude. President Fenris was a strange wolfman, speaking rapidly and only about politics or economics. Pleasantries were a completely foreign concept much like Spike was. The band was to carry the power of the office to the front lines. Everyone who saw it would know that Spike was in charge. It was a heavy burden to place on such a light thing.

The Norfandians had insisted on him keeping it when the war ended. Spike obliged. He wanted something positive to remember when he was back home. Now, all he could remember of Norfandia were the horrible shrieks and crackling air as he watched the terrible fire of war consume a people.

He shuddered.

Looking at it again, Spike decided that maybe he would tie the rag to his bicep again. The familiar feeling of the tight cloth helped ease Spike’s mind from his memories. It brought with it a notable air of strength and courage. He had forgotten all the good that had come because of him. Let’s focus on that he told himself.

Spike figured there would be something to do on this ship while he awkwardly waited for Rarity to finish her time with High Fashion. They were supposed to meet for lunch soon, but after the exchange at the gym he had no doubt Rarity would be too embarrassed to show up. Fine by me. He found himself harboring slight resentment for the mare, but he could not figure why. It was hardly about his crush so long ago, that he had worked to overcome. Did he resent her for not reaching out for years? That was hardly fair, Spike had not done that either. Why was he so tense around her?

He let out a frustrated sigh and decided to get a move on. He tucked the band under the bottom of his t-shirt’s sleeve, so it very casually hung out. Only those looking would have been able to see it. Spike walked across the carpeted floor to grab the door and pull it open. As he stepped into the hall, he was startled to hear some sniffling and soft weeping from down the way. His first instinct was to run and find out what was happening. So he did just that.

Spike jogged down the hall expecting to find a lost child or injured person. What he found instead was a pure-white mare crumpled against the wall and trying to hold in tears. Rarity. Spike’s heart softened and his own eyes began misting over at the sight of his old friend in pain. He did not know from what, but he hated to see her hurt all the same.

“Rarity, what’s going on?” he lowered himself to the floor and scooted over to put an arm around her shaking form.

“Oh, hi Spike.” She feigned a smile for him and ineffectively tried to wipe away the tears. “I was just… Fashion and I… you…” Clearly, she was struggling with whatever happened. Spike offered a reassuring smile and pulled her a little closer. She seemed to sink into his body at the coaxing. Spike did not mind the silky-smooth fur that tickled across his scales or the quieting smell of her mane product.

“It’s okay Rare, I’m here. We don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want.”

She sniffled a little more, her face now hidden from Spike as she clung against his torso.

“It’s just that Fashion said some things. I hadn’t ever really thought about them before, but they still hurt.”

“Fashion? Your friend?” Spike scoffed. “Some friend. Who makes anyone cry like that?” His question was met with silence as Rarity held frozen against him. Eventually, she responded.

“It wasn’t mean. Well, it kind of was, but it was true and for my own good. She told me to take some time to myself this cruise. I doubt we’ll be seeing each other until the end.” Her voice felt empty and dejected. It hurt Spike and caused him to feel an anger kindling against High Fashion. “But you mustn’t hold her responsible. She really is a good friend looking out for me. I swear Spikey.” It was as though she read his mind. He let himself relax a little.

“Okay. But I still think it’s pretty lame how she got you this upset and ditched you.”

Rarity laughed quickly.

“Maybe just a little. But it’s a good thing…” Her neck craned to let her stare up at Spike. He smiled to her again and brushed away a few pieces of her purple mane that covered her cloudy eyes. Spike felt some magnetic force urging him to draw in closer. Behind his own eyes, he was holding back the awkward expression of the moment. Before whatever supernatural force could grip him in its vise, he stood up suddenly and offered a hand to the collapsed mare.

“C’mon. Nothing cheers a pers—pony up like a great hayburger or two, right?” He grinned down. Rarity took his hand and pulled herself to her hooves. She returned his excited smile and wiped away another tear line.

“Sure, Spike. I’d love to take my mind away from all this. I’ve been dying to hear from you.”

Rarity was frustrated. Had the chemistry been a lie? There was a moment back there on the carpet when she swore Spike was about to make his move. She had been ready for it. Now they sat at a table in the bar area waiting to be serviced. The dragon across from her picked up a glass of water and took a long drink. The walk there had been mostly quiet, but Rarity was dying to know what Spike had been up to for so long. Her letters never got a response. She had told herself it was because of the business of ambassadors kept him away from a table. The few interactions they had so far did not help her mindset.

“So,” She started trying to break the silence. “What kept you in Norfandia for four years without a moment to come home or chat?” She winced as Spike clearly choked on his water at her question. Too forward? She gave him a smile and raised her hooves to support her chin.

Spike cleared his throat and set the glass down.

“That’s… a long story.”

“It’s a long cruise.” She retorted.

“…fair enough.”

Spike rubbed his forearms and glanced around at the other patrons enjoying their food.

“I’m sorry I never wrote Rarity. I literally couldn’t. There were so many times I wanted to… needed to. But I couldn’t. Your letters were some of the only things keeping me going sometimes.” He offered an apologetic smile. So he had seen through her innocent question. At least the answer was favorable. Rarity stared at him giving a weak smile back to urge him to continue.

“It’s not that I didn’t write.” He paused shifting awkwardly in the small chair. “I wrote you so many letters. Hundreds. But I was never in the cities.” His look had gone from a friendly and warm glow now to a sullen and somber demeanor. It made Rarity uncomfortable.

“But I thought your job as ambassador was in the cities to help them learn?” She played with one of the forks laying in front of her as she whispered out. She did not want to upset her friend anymore than he already seemed.

“It was. Things… don’t always go as planned.” He responded and grabbed a menu. Spike suddenly pretended to be fascinated by the limited choice menu. Rarity reached a hoof across to touch his forearm. She felt a pain hit her as he retracted his arm initially. She felt a little better as he returned it slowly under her touch.

“Spikey, you can tell me what happened. I’m your friend, I won’t judge.” She offered a sympathetic smile. He seemed to miss her statement.

“I wonder if they have some Norfandian sauce here. That stuff really makes burgers into a whole new thing.” Spike’s tone was dismissive at best. Rarity flared her nostrils and brought her hoof back.

“Spike, I thought the reason we came down here was to catch up. I haven’t heard from you in four years, and I think I deserve an explanation. If you can’t give that to me, I think I’d better be heading off.” Rarity stood slowly waiting for Spike to catch her and beg her presence. Instead, he just looked up at her, eyes full of water. It twisted Rarity’s heart.

“If… that’s what you want. Sorry Rare.” His voice came as a squeak. Rarity almost began crying at the sight.

“Oh, dear I didn’t mean that.” She sank back down to her seat and again reached to hold Spike. He did not drag his arm away this time. “I just, I’m just confused why I didn’t hear from the dragon I missed for so long.” She rubbed his arm soothingly. His eyes had remained on it the whole time as though fighting back the maelstrom of emotions she knew were writhing within.

The truth was, Rarity was frustrated, jealous, hurt, angry, and feeling so much more because Spike had not talked with her for so long. The effort on her own end was thoroughly explored as she wrote letter after letter to him. Rarity even planned to visit Norfandia the first year Spike was there, but somethings, in the words of Princess Twilight Sparkle, ‘were too politically precarious’ for visitors. After two years of no response, she just dropped her efforts altogether. Now the man she had sought for years was sitting across from her, and he was unwilling to open up.

Spike sighed as he drew his arms up to rub his shoulders. He turned his head from Rarity and began mumbling. She leaned forward as she realized he was speaking.

“Sorry dear, would you speak up just a little.” She flashed him another smile. Spike glanced at her, a resigned look beneath his emerald-green eyes.

“I couldn’t write because I was fighting.” He spoke the words as softly as he could. It was like her was fearful of upsetting the cool afternoon breezes that floated through the ship. Rarity’s eyes went a little wider, the corners of her mouth pulling slightly upward.

“Fighting darling? As a friendship ambassador?” She could hardly believe it. In fact, she was having trouble not giving a small chuckle. But as her eyes caught Spike’s, she realized he was deadly serious and dropped all demeanor of jest.

“Go on.”

“When I first got to Norfandia, things were pretty simple. Meet the government, establish a schedule and plan. Class times, grouping, teachers, all that fun stuff.” He waved an arm dismissively. “But I soon realized that president Fenris was keeping something from me. My classes were dwindling; people were mocking me with more physical violent acts. There was plenty of resistance when I first showed up, but only verbal.”

“So you had to fight off the civilians?” Rarity asked in hopes of making him feel less alone. Whatever she had said brushed Spike in the wrong way. He frowned and drew back to cross his arms again. His head now swinging to the other side.

“Rarity…” He started as he gazed at the sun making its way slowly down. “Rare, I think I can only have this conversation in private.” He turned back to meet her confused eyes. “We can go to my room if you want. I’m not really comfortable talking about all this out here.” He feigned a smile as he waved to a passing troll who bowed. Rarity caught a glimpse of something on his arm she had not seen before.

“What is that décor upon your arm, Spikey?” She pointed a hoof at the cyan-stained band straining against his biceps. Truth be told, Rarity had been looking at his impressive musculature when spotting it. Spike moved his arm to cover it quickly as it came back close to his body.

“Nothing. Well, not nothing, but something related to what we were talking about.” He pushed off the table and began walking. Rarity hustled to match his pace.

“Spike, if it’s too much to talk about, I don’t want to press the issue.”

She did. But clearly his ‘fighting’ was much more than some squabble or bickering he would be used to. This had shaken him badly and caused what once was the most open-hearted and caring dragon she knew to retreat into a shell of cover against the perceptual hostility of everyone around him.

Maybe not. Maybe I’m overreacting. Rarity scolded herself. How could this man she knew for so long be so recluse as she thought? He was still courteous, flirtatious, well-mannered, caring, and apologetic. He was stopping whenever a Norfandian asked him to so they could talk for a moment. Rarity wanted to get to the room quickly, but Spike was putting others ahead of himself. Just like he always has.

Memories

It felt like hours until the pair rounded the corner to get to Spike’s master bedroom. He opened the door for the elegant mare that tailed him. As she passed, Spike could not help but feel bad for shutting down on her. A creature of such beauty deserved better.

He slowly entered after her and carefully closed the door. He did not want others to know they were in here. A disturbance in the middle of one of his most vulnerable tales would shake him. Rarity had already taken a seat on the bed, placing herself up against the headboard with her knees drawn up like a foal ready for story time.

Hell of a story this will be.

Spike moved to the foot of the bed and sat. He twisted his torso to face her and caught the subtle hint of disappointment in her eyes. Does she want me to be there? He shook it off as a misconception. His ship had long sailed with this mare. She deserved somepony to look after her the way Spike always wanted to, but never could. He took in a deep inhale to begin his story.

“Four years ago…”

Rarity leaned forward and placed a pillow in her hooves as she listened intently. Spike glimpsed up at her graying hair, taking note of how that was another thing he had missed because of all of this.

“I came to Norfandia under the standard orders of ambassador. I met with the government. Taught their leaders the principles, basics, and benefits of friendship. President Fenris and his staff were ecstatic about the chance to not only learn about friendship, but meet an entire new species across the globe. I told them to focus on their problems at hand first. Things started simply enough; I held classes most days, teaching friendship, creating them, practicing, all the fun stuff. I still had some time to write home and read letters on my own. That was about seven months of the first year there.

“As I taught more friendship and began exporting to the civilian population, it didn’t sit right with me. The general populace was interested, but terrified. It was like they were afraid that friendship could solve so many of their problems. It took a lot of work and some warming up to, but eventually the capital city had friendship classes led by my instructors while I focused on curriculum. My next task was to take friendship to the other major cities and hopefully come home in time for Heart’s Warming.” Spike’s eye twitched as he mentioned the beloved holiday of friendship and love.

“But… clearly something went wrong.” Rarity whispered to fill in the gap. Spike nodded and swallowed.

“Understatement.” He drew his own legs up and scooted up the bed to be next to Rarity. The next part of the story was harrowing, and Spike knew he would need her support to make it through.

“I presented my schedule to president Fenris and gave a timetable for future endeavors. I promised progress the moment I came back in a month. He denied it so adamantly I would have thought he was keeping me hostage. I pressed him on it, but he just kept saying they needed me there. But then when I told him I would scrap my holiday plans and just start teaching, he denied that too. He didn’t want me to leave the capital. I wish I would have listened.

“After much convincing, president Fenris agreed to have a council with the major estates of Norfandia to decide what I ought to do. We had the cabinet assemble just over three years ago.” Spike’s eyes trailed off to the massive window that shot across the deck. The sun was lighting the sky in a flaming orange as it crossed the waterline. Trailing wisps of clouds shifted over the calm ocean. It helped soothe him into continuing. That, and Rarity’s hoof extended to touch Spike’s shoulder softly. He leaned himself into it.

“The council we hosted lasted three days. It took them three days to fill me in on…” Spike shuddered. “On the war.”

“War?” Rarity again spoke softly, careful not to interrupt the hurting dragon. He nodded and closed his eyes slowly.

“War. There had been a war in Norfandia for sixteen years. Civil war at that. It wasn’t one race against another, it was all of them against all of them. Apparently ‘friendship’ had different origins here. One group, Fenris’s, wanted friendship to benefit the people while the other side, Doxxen, wanted to control. They had been fighting ever since the first election when Doxxen lost by only a small percentage. He took a large portion of the population with him West and began launching terrorist attacks on border towns. It took Fenris almost a year to officially declare a war on his own brother.” Spike reopened his eyes, now slightly moister than before. He felt his heart strain as he remembered his next part of the story.

“The council had been fighting a losing battle. More and more people were going to Doxxen over the years because he was stronger. No one would practice friendship properly, so Fenris was losing ground fast. They had hoped my implementing of schools would help, which it did, but only barely. I… don’t really know what came over me, but I volunteered to help fight if I had to.”

“Spikey…” Rarity realized with a pain what he meant. It all clicked at once; his inability to respond to letters, his harrowed looks, even the scars he denied on his body all fit together. But she knew there was much more to this story still. He held up his claw to hold her comment.

“I didn’t want to fight, but I wouldn’t let those who stood for friendship become slaves or die. Not after all we’ve done back in Equestria. I figured ‘how hard could it be?’ We always seemed to end up alright.

“They gave me temporary command of a company just across the borderland. It was meant as a bastion guard for the whole campaign, the most intense spot for action. Soldiers cycled in and out faster than a centaur on a blood lust.” Spike’s colloquialism was unfamiliar to Rarity, but she picked up on its meaning, nonetheless. His time in Norfandia had clearly left the dragon with more culture than she initially thought.

“We were at the foot of a mountain. Really, two mountains. Barlow’s gap is what they called it. The only entrance feasible for an army to march through to the other side. I did what I could to make friends with the soldiers, but…” He swallowed again, a tear desperately trying to escape his eye. “But when they don’t come back after the first night you meet them, it gets hard.”

Rarity sat silently. She was in so much pseudo pain for her friend. She felt ashamed of the anger and frustration she harbored for Spike over the years. She had always assumed he was just mismanaging time. Rarity now felt like she ought to take a dive in the ocean just to save face from this dragon.

“I’m so sorry Spike.” That was all she knew how to say. Words could not fill the gap that hung in the air. As though he did not hear her, Spike continued. His face was now stoic in a dissociative attempt for the story.

“The reason everyone here calls me ‘sir’ or ‘hero’, or ‘beast’ is because of that mountain pass. We got overrun on my second station there. About two and a half years into my being in Norfandia. The entire base was taken in a surprise attack in the dead of night. Torches and lanterns were snuffed with a coat of gel bomb they dropped from high up, so we were completely in the dark. I began burning unoccupied tents to generate light. By the time we organized into something other than a screaming mess, twenty-six were missing with another twelve confirmed KIA. The commanding officer in Norfandia’s enlisted ranks was one of the dead ones, giving complete and total control to me. My guys realized it, most of them didn’t like it. Of the three hundred odd some left of us, two hundred fifty turned tail and booked it back to Fenris. I knew we had to hold. We were the last chance Norfandia had at friendship… at peace.”

This time, Spike clenched his fist and tightened his jaw. An anger and fire that Rarity had not seen in him sparked through his eyes as he continued staring at the darkening sky. She nervously glanced around. She did not want this story to enrage and hurt Spike or herself. Rarity sympathetically stroked his arm. It seemed to help.

“Fifty of us, roughly, held that gap for thirteen days. Trenches, traps, sacrifices, you name it, we used it. In total we took back somewhere between three hundred and five hundred of them. I…” He unclenched his claw and brought it up to examine. “I took more than fifty just by my own claws.” His tone hushed and he gulped down on the lump in his throat. Rarity let out a small gasp. The tender boy she had known, the sweetest creature to walk the earth, and the kindest dragon to live was now just as Rarity pictured most other dragons, walking death machines. She retracted her hoof slowly. She paused a moment as she saw Spike’s pained face when she did, but she felt so confused at this. He couldn’t have, could he? Would he? Her eyes cast down onto the sheets as her ears lay back in worry. She suddenly felt a tender brush against the back of her neck. It felt pleasant, but it took her off guard and she almost kicked out. It took every ounce of control for Rarity not to.

“Rarity.” Spike whispered as he came closer. “I know. You must think I’m a monster. I think I’m a monster. But… they… I…” His words caught in his throat. Rarity looked up to see tears streaming down his face. Her heart opened again as she saw his break.

“They would have killed me, my friends, women, children, anyone who stood for friendship. Celestia forbid, if they got to Equestria, they would have killed you. I couldn’t let them get you. Get anyone. I did… I did what I had to.” His words were choking him as his voice broke. His weight was slowly falling forward as his sobs shook his strength. Rarity reached her hooves around and pulled his massive body close to hers as she held him. His sobs shook her and wet her mane, but all she could think of now was how noble, but how hurt this dragon was. He deserved better. She kicked herself again for jumping to assumptions about him. This was her friend; this was the man she had dreamed about forever; this was Spike. Nothing could change that.

“It’s okay Spikey. I know, I know. You’re okay I’m here for you.” She soothed quietly as his shaking calmed a little. She was petting his back and supporting his chin on her shoulder. He was a heavy dragon, no doubt about that, but Rarity barely felt it.

Spike slowly stopped shaking, but stayed in his position. He spoke muffled through the part of her mane covering his face.

“They praised me like a hero, giving me all these titles and awards and commands, but I felt like a monster. I feel like a monster. And that wasn’t even close to the end. I continued the campaign with a new support wave, and we drove straight into their capital. I begged Doxxen to reason, to try friendship like Discord and the changelings and so many others. He spat in my face and tried to kill me. I… finished it. Right then. Two weeks ago. I still… I can still feel him in my arms as a laid him down. His smile as he went, it keeps me up. He wanted to die over embracing friendship. How can someone be like that?” His tone was angry again, but his body still weak against Rarity’s.

Rarity was processing all of this. It gripped her like a vise, reminding her that life in Equestria was pleasant, but distant. She remembered all the danger, the villains, the fights her and her friends had encountered over the years. They never had to go as far as taking a life, but every ordeal left them all hurting. Spike, who had been there for all their battles, had just faced an even bigger one.

Totally alone.

Rarity felt her own eyes begin leaking as she squeezed him against her.

“Oh, Spike darling, I’m so sorry. I had no idea.” It was her turn to start shaking, and Spike began holding her in turn. She soaked his shirt in loud wails as he brushed her mane gently.

“I never knew. I would never have felt so naïve if I knew. Spikey, I’m so sorry.” She had judged her friend before considering his immense sacrifices for the world. For her.

“Shhh, it’s okay Rare. I know. It’s not your fault, none of it is.” His words steadied her a little, but her sobs continued.

The two sat there, swapping tears and embraces for the better part of an hour. Not many other words were spoken, other than some small questions Rarity had about certain battles or people. Spike had reluctantly answered what he could, but curled at more than one of her questions about the war. He had brought an end to a sixteen-year conflict seemingly single-handedly by compromising his character for the good of the world. Rarity could not imagine the turmoil in his head. After a while, Spike raised his claw to stroke her ear. It was sensitive and began flicking at his touch, but Spike had always been able to touch her there. She never allowed another stallion to. It was her only spot just for him.

“I… thought of you. A lot. It was one of the only thoughts I had to hold onto. Even Twilight’s faded into bitterness as she began sending envoys and diplomatic resources like a leader should instead of a friend. It wasn’t her fault, but it changed my outlook towards her. It felt like my sister had gone, replaced by a ruler of some far-off land. Only you kept in my mind.” His claw traced to the root of her ear, and she pressed her head into his palm. “Only the pony I could never forget.” He leaned his forehead against hers. She sighed a little in relief.

“Spikey… I’m.”

“No, Rare it’s okay. You don’t have to feel bad about not liking me. I get it. I’m not the stallion you deserve.”

“No, Spike.” She cut him off. Rarity pulled her head back just enough to look into his eyes.

“I do like you. Not as long as you did me, but I do. I… missed you. So much. I was angry when you stopped writing. Now I feel like a foal for that. But heavens, I like you Spike. More than I have any other stallion or friend.”

Her comment had made Spike freeze. He had no idea how to react to this. He was frustrated, happy, confused, angry, overjoyed, and everything else all at once. Spike had written off Rarity a long time ago.

“…When did you… you know. When did you start?” He whispered.

“You remember that night I told you about my business?” She responded timidly.

“Champagne, yea. I was an embarrassment.” He let a low chuckle run through his chest. “Your face over mine is the memory I kept most often. You were so pretty. Are so pretty.” He grinned and leaned his forehead again to hers.

“I keep that one too. I remember it all the time. I looked at your smirky little face on my couch and thought there’s my Spikey.” She slowly reached a hoof up to his cheek. “And I was a fool for not seeing it sooner.”

They sat silently. It felt like an eternity passed all too quick between them. Too many emotions were flying through the air. The only sounds were their soft breathing and sometimes awkward sifting of sheets as they readjusted on the bed. The space between them was as fragile as freshly blown glass, a palpable tension of love and confusion hanging from the drops of panged heartstrings. Here were two friends that had missed their chances together for years on end. They knew each other better than anyone, but now it felt like they were meeting for the first time. By some decree of the stars above, their hearts had come together today at the perfect time to remember and forget everything and everyone. Nothing mattered now but the body that was across from the other, the heart that was opening to receive, and the smiles that coaxed an intimacy only a fool would miss their opportunity on.

Spike was no fool.

“Rare.” He whispered her name. She gave a quiet hum in response.

“Rare…” He could not muster words. The time to talk was over. He would not wait for the mare of his dreams any longer.

Spike tilted his chin up slightly, pulling her forehead with his. She responded eagerly and lifted her own. Their mouths inched closer, but stopped just before any contact was made. They breathed with eager mouths into each other, feigning kisses as they pulled back just before anything met. Spike was driven with a lust like no other, but he would not ruin his dream moment with overzealous haste and lack of control.

Rarity was ecstatic at the tantalizing moves of the dragon before her. His breath was hot against her mouth and his face smooth against hers, but rough in all the right places. Her hooves moved wildly across his shirt, but she gave no indication for him to move. She wanted to relish in this dance of tease. He clearly felt the same way.

“Rare.” His voice came gruffer this time. “Rarity, I want to show you who I am now. I want to know who you are.” His whisper was carried with a guttural growl behind each one. It was tender, but each word was laced with a husky lust that Rarity knew would be overbearing soon enough.

“I want to know you too. Will you show me?” She whispered back into his mouth. Without moving a part of either body, their lips searched beneath closed eyes and connected. It was a soft one at first, but it broke into a long dance soon after they reconnected. She could feel the tip of his forked tongue brush hers as they timidly braced against the other. Their mouths began moistening with their actions making louder popping sounds as they continued.

It was not until Spike adjusted his seating that Rarity moved in closer. She pressed her chest against his shirt and gave a tiny whinny of annoyance at the fabric. She was used to having what she wanted. Spike noticed and broke their kiss. He glanced down at his shirt and smiled. Without a word, he pulled it off. Rarity felt herself unable to tear her gaze from his torso.

Lined along it were scars all over. There was one that ran from the top of his right breast down to just above his waistline. Another three marks were smaller, but just as terrifying. They traced from his left ribs up and across to his shoulder to presumably run along his back. His wings stretched slowly and for the first time, Rarity saw the damage on them. There was only one hole in the web of his left wing, but both were tattered and looked exhausted. Bruises covered the ligament that connected at his back, and they sagged dejectedly. As though reading her mind, Spike puller her hoof close and whispered.

“Most likely never fly again. Maybe Dash could hook me up with some good P.T., but they haven’t been able to work for almost a year now.” She felt the strain in his voice. She knew how long he had waited for those wings to sprout, and now he may never use them again.

“Spike…” She rubbed her hoof from his cheek down to his chest. She stopped at the slightly raised scarring that ran across it. Rarity would never make him feel any less than perfect, but she thought of how tragic it was that his scales were ruined with these terrible gashes. It hurt her inner perfectionist, but her inner mare was reveling at the sight of a man who had a story on his body. She traced along his chest in small movements as she read the lines of his tragedy. His head was still pressed against the top of hers as he slowly breathed and shuddered at her touch. If Rarity was making Spike uncomfortable, he made no effort to indicate.

Rarity glanced upwards to see the face of the brave heart twisted in an anxious expression, his eyes closed tightly and pulling at the corners of his eyes. Rarity wanted more than anything to take away all the pain riling inside of Spike. He had always been the sweetest creature in the world; nobody deserved happiness more than he.

Rarity refocused on a line of scarring that ran from the top of his right shoulder down the arm. It stopped at the small band that wrapped around his bicep, the fabric hugging his tensed muscle tightly. She pawed at it and whispered like a breeze.

“Spike, this? You said it related?” Her question made the dragon emit a heavy breath and pull back slightly. She looked up to see him following where she had indicated. He tugged on the cloth with his other claw and sank in his posture. Spike looked back to Rarity and smiled slightly.

“One of the only happy memories I brought back. Fenris gave it to me at the start of the war. He insisted I keep it at his farewell speech when his term finally ended after the war. A reminder of all the good that came despite the loss.” Spike unfastened the knot in the stained cyan. Rarity caught a glimpse of a marvelous golden dragon inlay. Her mind for fashion began turning the cogs instantly on its observation. Spike held it up for her to look at.

It was berated to hell and back. Only three spots of cyan shown through the grime and muck; at least, Rarity hoped it was dirt and not some other dark substance. The beautiful dragon that wrapped around the entire width was hiding below the layered dirt, but its head peaked through a clean patch. It made Rarity feel inspired yet submissive at the complex design. Her mind wandered down the road of fashion opportunities from the Norfandians. Clearly, it wandered too much as Spike brought the cloth away and set it on the bed.

Rarity looked back up to him and saw his eyes misting again, but a gentle smile was resting on his lips as his eyes closed in seeming pleasure regarding his memories. It coaxed a smile from Rarity too; Spike had been so grieving for the last few hours, it was good to see him smile.

“Spikey… I am so sorry. I know that’s not enough, but I am.” She raised a hoof to his cheek. He leaned into her touch gently and his smile deepened. His emerald eyes slowly cracked open and gazed down to her. A spark ignited in her chest as she shuddered from the instilled excitement of his marvelous irises.

“Thank you. I couldn’t have made it without you. I mean that.” He raised a claw to hold her hoof closer to his cheek. Rarity felt as though her body was melting into his. They were sitting in each other’s laps, her hind legs wrapped around his and their chests centimeters away from each other. Their breathing was in sync as they rose and fell together, the warmth of Rarity’s body standing against the cold scales of the dragon. His claw shifted from her hoof to her mane. Rarity craned her neck as he gently fingered through the wisps of loose hair.

“You’re just as beautiful as the day I last saw you.” His voice groaned against the quiet. Rarity let a small giggle out.

“Even with this dreadful line of grays? I cannot tell you how angry I was at the salon that day.” She let out a few more giggles and removed her hoof from his cheek to cover her mouth. Rarity caught Spike grin at that.

“Even then. It makes you look… distinguished somehow.” His claw brushed her scalp and she shivered at the sensitivity.

“You may be the only one who thinks that, dear.” She whispered into his chest as she leaned into him.

They sat there running their limbs across each other in a dance of wonder. Neither of them wanted to move, but both of them wanted to go further. Rarity had never been the initiator of such circumstances; she did not feel comfortable taking that leap now despite her trust in Spike. She was content sitting with him and imagining what would come next. It seemed as though he was too.

Heat

Author's Note

Hi everyone! Slight edit to the original chapter. I wanted this story to be more accessible with the sequel I'm writing. Sorry for those who have already read it!
Here is the original NSFW https://www.fimfiction.net/story/528046/remembrance-explicit-chapter

Heat

Rarity awoke in the darkness of the room alone. Her eyes took a few moments to adjust into the pitch-black void in front of her. Once she could see relative shapes and sizes of things around, she timidly rubbed her eyes and let out a tiny yawn. She realized that her extravagant dream of lovemaking and happily ever after were only such a dream as she pushed the pillow between her legs away. Had he really not stayed? Rarity wondered in her mind at why Spike would leave her. Part of her felt unknowing admiration for Spike’s abstinence with her vulnerability, and yet a larger part was wishing he was here, now, pushing her back into the bed and tenderly kissing her like before.

Had they kissed before?

Was that also part of her dream? It couldn’t be, right? Rarity was laying in his bed which she so vividly remembered being in and holding the dragon as they danced with each other. She threw the sheets off her body and crawled to the edge of the enormous bed. Her hooves daintily rested against the carpet as the colder air of the night tickled her hairs. Rarity felt her sorrow growing as the room was devoid of her dream dragon. He must have left her while she dozed off. She stuck her bottom lip out to pout before realizing nopony was here to witness it. She let her demeanor disappear into the sunken and tired eyes that reflected her body. It was no secret that Rarity was getting older. Sure, she was only twenty-six, but the stress of being a CEO, fashion icon, and celebrity along with advisor to the princess was building up. She ached; not just from exhaustion, but from the lack of somepony to come home to. Rarity wanted to walk through the door and nor matter how hard the day was, her man would be there to listen and rub her shoulders. Rarity was tired of being alone.

She walked to the floor-to-ceiling windows and stared out at the softly illuminated deck below. She saw the hot tub was occupied by a centaur and a smaller pony. The pony was black, and Rarity thought she caught the face of High Fashion. Not surprising. They were both sitting on the same side of the pool and scooting closer with every minute. Rarity rolled her eyes and gave them the privacy they thought they had.

Just as she turned to the door to begin leaving, it slowly creaked open. She froze in place, partly out of panic, partly of curiosity. Had Spike come back to claim her? Or was it an intruder looking for the hero of Norfandia? She readied herself, but kept silent. Suddenly, a tender voice spoke in the darkness. It was soft and almost impossible to notice, but Rarity strained to listen.

“C’mon Spike, tell her. You got it. Deserve to be happy, just tell her.”

Rarity felt light-headed. Was he really coming to confess to me? Her heart played hopscotch while her breath caught in her throat. She had no idea what she was supposed to be doing while he entered. She quickly decided to jump on the bed and see what happened.

Before the door swung fully inward, she crawled across the sheets and lay on the pillow she woke from. The creaking slowed as the latch clicked and soft footsteps approached. The weight of the bed shifted as the dragon sat behind her. Rarity pursed her lips and shut her eyes in anticipation.

“Rare? You up?” The voice came barely above a whisper. In her panic, Rarity froze. She heard Spike sigh and felt his claw ever so gently brush her ear. She wanted to lean into him, but kept her position.

“Rarity, I know you may not hear this. Maybe you’re not supposed to. But I have to say it.” His claw traced the back of her ear and began running up her neck gently. She involuntarily shivered, but if Spike noticed then he did nothing to indicate.

“I think… well, no. I know how I feel Rarity. I remember all those years ago when we met. My giddish love was so… deplorable.” He let out a chuckle. Rarity felt herself smile as she remembered too; the young drake desperate for her attention was more endearing than any suitor since. “The thing is Rare; I don’t think I ever stopped having that giddish love. I think it just went to hide for a little. In fact, it was one of the only things that kept me going out there. Sometimes you were the only reason I smiled. Four years went by, and I never stopped remembering you. I guess you were my remembrance. Remembrance of good in the world, why I was fighting, and who it was for.”

Spike rubbed her neck gently and Rarity bit on her lip. Tears were spilling sideways from her eyes as the gravity of laying on her bed drew them forward.

“I thought to myself a few times what it’d be like if we met now; if we were both older and had gone through so much. I said to myself that maybe I’d have a chance, maybe you’d love me too. But I wouldn’t be here, now, if I hadn’t known you. And that is not a trade I would make in a million years. In a hundred million. I am who I am because of the memories I have with you. There’s nothing worth more than that.”

Rarity choked back a sob as Spike caressed her mane. It must have startled him as she felt his claw pause. Then, everything Rarity had ever wanted came. Spike shifted on the bed and wrapped his arms around her. She sank into him and let out her tears as she clutched his firm embrace. His mouth found its way to kiss her cheek which she knew was soaked from tears.

“Spi—Spike.” She cried out. Her heart was twisted in love and pain. She had never felt such conviction as now.

“Rare, hey. It’s okay. It’s okay, I’m here.” She felt Spike’s arms tighten around her enough to squeeze her comfortably. She let out another sob as she buried her head in his shoulder.

“Spikey, I never—I’m so sorry I couldn’t—”

“Shhh, Rarity, it’s alright.” He pressed his head into hers. Slowly, he drew back so Rarity’s tear-blurred eyes met his. She smiled and went to wipe the mascara trail.

“Celestia, I look like a mess.” She coughed out a laugh. Spike smiled down to her and stroked her cheek.

“Best mess I’ve ever seen.”

Rarity blushed and turned bashfully away.

“Spike. I want you to know… me too.” She glanced over to him. Rarity saw the confused look on his face, and she faced him again.

“I love you too Spikey. That giddish love? I feel that too.” She saw his face turn from confusion to joy as his mouth cricked into a smile.

“Really? Since when!” He grinned to her.

“I think… I think a long time. But I only realized it that night I put you to sleep. There was something about your silly smile and charming personality that set my heart flittering. You were the only one I wanted to be with that night.”

“Rare… that’s the night I fell for you… again.” He spoke quietly. Rarity rolled her eyes dramatically and smiled

“Oh, my goodness! Can you imagine if we had just said so then?” She said loudly in contrast to the reverent tones that were dominant before.

“Then we might not be here.” Spike chuckled. He gently urged Rarity to scoot closer.

“Mmm? And why is here so important?” She closed her eyes again in anticipation.

“Because I needed you tonight, Rarity. I need you. I always have, always will.” He whispered into her ear. Rarity smiled and hummed softly.

“I need you too, Spike.”

They sat again, the same place they were in her dreams; but surely it was not a dream before, nor was it now. Rarity leaned forward to bump her muzzle with his snout and gestured for him to raise his head. He complied. She held herself millimeters from his mouth, waiting and allowing for him to seal the deal.

The two hovered patiently for a moment on each other. They both wanted so badly to express themselves. Spike let it happen.
He pushed against her firmly and kissed her with all the love he could afford. Rarity matched his struggle with her own passion.
The two of them held each other close and leaned into the desperation and craving they felt. Fireworks lit behind both of their hearts as all the tension of years past released in one firm action. Spike Held Rarity close and squeezed her body gently. This was all he had ever wanted.
They marveled in each other's presence for the better part of the darkened night. Somewhere in their heated dance, Rarity had grown slump against Spike's firm hold. He gently pulled her back as she let a soft moan out. Her eyes fluttered for a moment and closed again. She smiled.
"Spikey, I'm sorry." She yawned out. He grinned to her and kissed the soft forehead of the mare he loved.
"Don't be. We'll always have tomorrow."
"You're too perfect." She sighed. Spike held a laugh in as she almost instantly passed out. He lay her down against his arm and held her tightly. The two of them sat quietly in the dark room, only Rarity's breathing interrupted the silence.
"Love you Rare. I always will."

Pools

Spike brushed Rarity’s back for hours, playing with her mane, scratching her softly, and breathing into her neck. He did not want it to end. After such a long time, he felt her breathing slow into a deep rhythmic thrumping. Must have dozed off he thought as he slowly untangled her grasp. Spike carefully lowered her down onto the pillows and drew the cover up to her midriff so as not to overheat the furred creature. He smiled at her breathing body as she reached for an invisible one to embrace her own. Spike positioned a spare pillow in front of her that she latched onto. Her content sigh was enough to let Spike know she would sleep well that night. He smiled.

Spike remembered that night spent in her boutique in Canterlot, her watchful eyes lulling him to rest. He was now here protecting her into a slumber. He knew that in the morning, they would talk again and most likely dismiss this night as an emotionally reckless engagement between old friends, but for now it was perfect.

He stood slowly and grabbed an extra pillow. Spike walked to the edge of the bed and placed the pillow on the floor to gaze out of the massive window. He brought himself to lie down on his side and look out on the deck. It was mostly empty now with only a few trolls sitting with two ponies at the closed bar. Spike swept his gaze across and was startled to see a large golden centaur enjoying a hot tub with a beautiful black mare. They were sitting across from each other and seemed to be engaged in a riveting conversation. Consort had apparently haggled for the chance to meet High Fashion tonight. That, or the other two had all been there and found the conversation less interesting than pumping iron. Spike frowned as he remembered why Rarity was in his room to begin with. Hours ago, her friend had hurt her so much that the poor mare was weeping in a curled form in the hall. Spike felt obligated to confront her, but thought that perhaps it was not his place.

The sun had set hours ago as Spike and Rarity had been enraptured by each other. Their track of time had vanished, and it was now late in the night. Spike found himself unable to sleep still. His memories of Norfandia fought for domination over memories of Equestria. Rarity’s visage tumbled against the desperate and bleeding faces of his comrades. His mind seemed more tumultuous than before. Spike decided that perhaps there would be something to distract him if he were to join the two on deck and attempt some platonic relaxation. He slowly stood, afraid of waking the sleeping girl on his bed. He cracked the door slowly and eased out into the hall. It closed softly behind him as he walked towards the elevator.

Spike waved as the golden centaur smiled at his approach. High Fashion turned from the edge of the tub to see what the interruption was and gave a pleasant smile to Spike. She was not wearing anything due to the lack of real swimwear in Equestria, but Consort wore a pair of shorts that covered his four legs just above the knees. It was not exactly necessary as centaur genitalia was hidden even better than pony, but more a formality Spike knew of being in water.

“The great ambassador finally blesses us with his presence.” High Fashion joked as he came closer. Spike was a little hurt because he did not know her yet, but he figured she was just being playful.

“Ambassador? Lame title. The great beast, hero of mountains, conqueror of Doxology, and knight of Norfandia approaches!” Consort boomed boastfully. He stood to bow and clasp Spike’s claw. Spike heard Fashion snort in a giggle.

“That’s a mouthful.” She said.

“I hope you all don’t mind me joining. I just needed some time away.” Spike smiled at the two as he bent down to sit on the edge of the tub. He tangled his legs in and felt the hot water absorb his troubles.

“It’s our pleasure, great one.” Consort said. Fashion nodded and tossed her bright mane back from her face.

“We are more than happy to have you.” She grinned at him. Spike felt a bit more at ease from her response.

“Thanks.”

They sat their awkwardly for a moment. Spike felt he had interrupted some important conversation that could not just be picked up from where it left off.

“So,” Fashion started, “What did you need time away from?” She cast him a wary glance. Spike knew she wanted to know if it was Rarity he was escaping. Responding to his own thoughts, he shook his head.

“Just myself. Overthinking and all that.” His response earned him a cocked eyebrow from Fashion.

“Oh? Thinking of?” Spike sighed at her prying. He did not feel like recounting the last few years again to this audience. It had sapped all his emotional energy doing it with Rarity, and he trusted her with his life.

“Just life. The past. Friends. That kind of stuff.” He passed off her question in hopes of Consort maybe interjecting.

“Were you thinking of Rarity?” Fashion’s boldness threw Spike completely off guard.

“What?” He swung his head towards her. The pool lights cast a shadow on her face that gave her a sinister look.

“Rarity. You know she’s crazy about you.” Fashion folded her front hooves and leaned back in the water. Spike waved slightly at her.

“Nah… she and I, well, she wasn’t so interested all those years back. I kinda lost that feeling a while ago too.” He bit his lip as he spat out the lie. Fashion scoffed.

“You lie almost as good as you look.” Spike was quickly starting to grow uncomfortable. Fashion sighed and unfolded her hooves to lean closer to Spike.

“Listen, that mare brings you up at least once every time we start a new design. She would never admit it, but she’s wanted to be with you for a long, long time Spike. And I know you feel the same.” Her tone was low like she was afraid of other passengers hearing, but there was no one out here but the three of them.

“How do you know?” Spike shot back. He knew why he did, but how did this pony think she could have him all figured out?

“I don’t know, call it intuition.” She said haughtily. “Or maybe call it how her stories about you made you sound like the sweetest thing to breathe, the letters she kept gave insight to your character, or your awkward shuffles this cruise gave away your boyish feelings towards her.”

Damn, Spike thought. That was all true. His jaw hung slightly open as he struggled to respond.

“In fact, I know that right now, she’s probably in your giant room, sleeping alone because you’re too big a coward to take your feelings to the next level.” Spike began to protest, but Fashion raised her hoof to cut him off.

“Don’t get me wrong, I find it very admirable you’re not willing to push that envelope so quickly after reuniting, but Spike; I’ll say to you what I said to her, let yourself be happy. Don’t you deserve that?”

Her words hung over Spike like an anvil. He stared blankly at her knees. No one had ever come at Spike this hard before.

“I don’t… not more than anyone else.” He managed to gasp out. Fashion rolled her eyes.

“Please, you more than anyone ought to take time for yourself. From what Consort here says, you’ve been through the nine rings of Tartarus and back while hopping on one foot over hot coals. All for a people you don’t know.” Spike turned his head to the silent centaur. Consort shrugged at him and nodded.

“It’s true, great beast. You gave more than your life for us. You deserve something special.”

The centaur of Norfandia were infamous for their independence and hot-headedness. They had been the most difficult group to accept friendship. Many of them had joined Doxxen in the war, only resigning to friendship after a forced surrender occurred. The three centaur on this cruise were something of an exception to what Spike had seen. He had worked with few centaur in his time there, but all of them had been a struggle and pain to endure. Many would only agree to participate if Spike could best them in a sparring match as a show of superiority. That was the easiest thing Spike had to deal with when it came to them.

“No… no, I’m not any more special than you all.” Spike gestured to them. “Just because I did what I was supposed to doesn’t mean I get to shirk my responsibilities and go chasing fillies.”

“That is not what I’m saying dear. You’re not listening.” Fashion corrected. Spike closed his mouth and decided to see what else this mare had to correct.

“You don’t just stop working or functioning because you want to love somepony. But it’s the reward of loving somepony that gives you the happiness you deserve. You have been waiting for what, eleven years for Rarity? And you’ll just give it up when she’s throwing herself at you now because you don’t believe you deserve it?”

“Thirteen.” Spike said quietly. Fashion stopped her rant for a moment and shot a look to Consort.

“What was that?” The gruff voice of the golden skinned beast came forward.

“Thirteen years.” Spike spoke a little louder. “I’ve loved Rarity for thirteen years since we moved to Ponyville. Well, love is a strong term, but it became love after the first year or so of being there.” Spike trailed off and dragged his claw through the water below.

“Thirteen… Spike.” Fashion said comfortingly. “Spike, why won’t you love her now?” Spike shifted uncomfortably at the question.

“Because… because what if I’m not enough. She deserves a pony, not a monster. Someone who gets fashion and can talk to her about it for hours. Somepony who can always be there for her.” Spike felt the emotions rising in his chest.

“Are you not all of those?” Consort asked. Spike looked dumbfoundedly at him.

“Pony, sure he’s not.” Fashion answered. “But monster? Not at all. You are a great man, which I would say is better than a pony.” She smiled at him as Spike swiveled his head to her now.

“I am a monster. If you knew—”

“I do, Spike. Consort told me what you’ve done. I don’t think that’s monstrous at all.”

“Killing people!?” Spike burst out. The two retracted suddenly at his outburst. “That is the definition of monstrous! I can hardly face myself in the mirror in the morning, how could I subject her to that every day?” Tears were welling up in his eyes now as Spike lowered himself back down in his seat.

“Sir Spike, killing… sometimes it must happen. To protect and defend.” Consort spoke. Spike turned to him. “You defend those who could not defend themselves. You fight for ideals that farther our growth as a world. You are a hero of the people. ‘Those who would stand against the idea of good cannot be reasoned with, try as you might’.” Consort finished by quoting what Spike remembered was a quote he used when teaching centaur of friendship and fighting.

“If you and Twilight and your friends had not been able to stop the monsters that plagued Equestria, would you have done the same?” Fashion peeked into the conversation.

“I guess.” Spike finally resigned. He had never really thought about having to kill Discord or Nightmare Moon. Both of them had given in through other means and were now some of the best ponies Spike knew.

“Then you cannot punish yourself for saving us.” Consort reprimanded.

“Rarity knows what you did already, doesn’t she?”

Spike sat there quietly as reason infected his mind. Fashion was speaking a lot of sense, and the added corroboration of Consort was not helping Spike to deny the truth.

“Yes. We talked tonight. She saw…” He looked down at his body. He had forgotten to bring a shirt and only now realized it. Until now, Spike had never wanted to enter public without a shirt for fear of his scars. Something with Rarity had changed that to become meaningless.

“Spike, go to her.” Fashion coaxed him up. Spike hesitated and fought for one last excuse to stay.

“I left her asleep, I shouldn’t—”

“Go. She needs you as much as you do her.” Fashion smiled.

“If you don’t go, then I’m sorry great beast, but you’re a bigger idiot than I thought after I first heard of you charging the gap.” Consort berated him playfully and slapped his back to launch Spike into a stumble. The dragon turned to the pair and smiled, but still felt confusion riddle his mind.

“Thank you, I’m not sure if that all really worked, but for now it did. Thank you.” He backed away and smiled as Fashion shooed him towards the hall. Spike did a little jump turn and worked into a stride through the hallway as he eagerly approached the elevator. His head was spinning with emotion and confusion. At the very least, Spike now felt that he should try. Try and see what really would happen with him and Rarity.